By Maire
Harrington
Chapter Writer
When Don Francisco, Chapter Chairman, tasked Catherine Hartwell and Dov Horwitz with organizing the Woman in Security Summit on October 18, 2019 they stepped up to the plate and knocked the ball right out of the park. This dynamic duo assembled a stellar assemblage of female security professionals for this event.
Eighteen (18) corporate sponsors helped defray the costs associated with this event. Thank you for supporting the females in our profession. Thanks also to the male security professionals who attended. Perhaps some remembered thought from this seminar will be beneficial for inclusiveness within your organization.
The Presenters
Kathy Lavinder, SI Placement, was the event moderator. Kathy also stepped in for one panelist, Juanita Holmes, Bank of New York, who was unable to attend.
“Don’t Prove Yourself, Improve Yourself”
One of the take-aways from Christina Duffey
The Chapter welcomed Christina Duffey, the President of ASIS International, as keynote speaker. The Chapter was extremely fortunate as Christina cannot possible accept all speaking engagements. Christina told about her experiences while climbing the ranks of the contract security field. She started as a young female with no prior law enforcement background. Very early on in her career, Christina, was faced with an active shooter situation. She handled the situation in a cool, professional manner that ensured what law enforcement would euphemistically now term a favorable outcome. This did not deter Christina, neither did any of the other stressors that females faced. She stressed the difference of having professional certifications has made in her career trajectory.
Caress Kennedy, Allied Universal, discussed current security trends with regard to emerging technologies. Caress stated security professionals need to become perhaps more specialized. The more connected devices, the Internet, more sophisticated cybersecurity protocols, more comprehensive security operations centers all require far more advanced skills and knowledge than filling a guard booth.
Kathy Lavinder stressed the need for female job candidates to negotiate their salary requirements. Females have shied away this. Kathy discussed the trend for a more diverse, inclusive workforce.
“You Can’t Get There From Here”
Debra Baker, TD Ameritrade, also stepping in for Juanita Holmes, discussed the transition from law enforcement to the private security industry. Deb was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the NJ State Troopers prior to entering the private security field. She stressed the need for a resume that manages to transfer wording from law enforcement jargon to corporate English. That is often not an easy task.
The Panel
A panel discussion followed with Debra Baker, Anjene Abston, Tri State and We Work, and Denise Niles, AES, as panelists. Denise serves as the Women in Security Liaison for the Chapter. Some of the topics discussed were the need for more women to be recruited for the security profession, the need for women to help each other and the value of networking by attending professional organizational functions.
The seminar was held in the newly renovated third floor of Rosie O’Grady’s Manhattan Manor. As usual Events Manager, Ms. Burke and her staff provided the refreshments in a seamless and professional manner. The NYC Chapter has held many of our monthly meetings at the Manhattan Manor over the years. For more information see their website www.manhattanmanor.com.