Revolutionize Your Leadership: Unlock Exclusive Opportunities for Women in Cybersecurity

Fostering The Next Generation Of Women Security Tech Leaders

As we mark another Women’s History Month, it is imperative to acknowledge the glaring underrepresentation of women in leadership positions within the security technology and AI fields. According to recent data, women comprise only 22% of AI talent globally, with an alarming low representation of 14% at senior levels. As the President and COO of FaceFirst Inc., a leading facial recognition provider for security applications, I am acutely aware of the significance of fostering the next generation of female leaders in this critical industry.

As a proud mother of five children, including four daughters, I have seen firsthand the impact that nurturing and empowering young women can have on their future careers. By providing education, mentorship, and job opportunities, we can unlock the full potential of our future leaders.

The importance of harnessing the power of instinct and innovation cannot be overstated. Women, often perceived as more nurturing due to biological, psychological, and social factors, possess a unique perspective that can revolutionize security technology and programming. The term “Mama Bear” – referencing women’s instinctual drive to protect and defend – highlights the importance of embracing and empowering this innate quality.

Moreover, research has consistently shown that estrogen enhances cognitive functions by affecting brain regions responsible for decision-making, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving. In an era where AI-driven threat detection, cloud security, and physical security solutions are rapidly evolving, it is crucial to tap into the innovative potential of women in leadership positions.

The fight against active shooter incidents, retail crime, and in-store assaults demands innovation driven by a diverse range of experiences and insights. Women’s leadership can offer a fresh lens on problem-solving, risk assessment, and community protection strategies. It is essential that we recognize that meritocracy, skill, and interest are non-negotiable prerequisites.

However, the proper combination of education, training, and expertise will unlock the full potential of the next generation of women leaders in security technology. By expanding educational opportunities and roles for women in this field, we can begin to bridge the gender gap.

Furthermore, it is crucial that we emphasize the vital role security technology plays in modern society. Computer vision has the capacity to transform life safety, loss prevention, and investigative efficiencies. Moreover, its applications can aid in identifying, rescuing, or recovering missing and exploited individuals – the vast majority of whom are women.

As I discuss the impact of security technology with high school students, I stress how these innovations enhance our daily experiences, such as shopping for groceries, buying beauty products, or attending concerts. By recognizing how technology affects our lives and communities, we can identify threats and theft patterns. This awareness enables us to deter violence and protect our loved ones.

Unlike many other tech fields where the end-user impact may seem distant, security technology offers immediate and tangible results in life safety and threat detection. As a parent, I have witnessed firsthand how early exposure to technology shapes future perspectives. Whether my children pursue careers in STEM or AI-driven threat technology or alternative paths, security will continue to evolve and play a critical role in their lives.

As we strive to create a safer world for our families and communities, I urge us all to commit to providing educational opportunities, mentorship programs, and job openings that empower young women to succeed in the security technology industry. By doing so, we can pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive leadership landscape within this critical sector.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/03/31/fostering-the-next-generation-of-women-security-tech-leaders/