Women in Security Profile: ‘Security industry needs to demonstrate genuine commitment to diversity,’ says Beth Anderson

YARMOUTH, Maine—Allegion’s Beth Anderson is happy to work for a company that values diversity – something she has had to overcome throughout her career in the security industry.  “Throughout my career, I have worked in several male-dominated industries, such as hardware, lumber and beer,” said Anderson, Allegion’s senior channel marketing manager, project sales. “The security industry, like many others, faces similar challenges in terms of diversity. As someone who was raised with a strong sense of independence, I have had to navigate through situations where I felt overlooked or experienced bias in promotions compared to my male colleagues. I am fortunate to have strong male and female allies who support my growth and development within the industry.”  As part of Security Systems News’ and the SIA Women in Security Forum’s continuing series highlighting the contributions of women in security, the following is an exclusive Q&A with Anderson:  SSN: How did you get into the security industry? What motivates you to stay?  Anderson: I entered the security industry six years ago when I came across an interesting job posting after relocating back to Indiana, my home state. I was specifically seeking to work within the building materials industry and find a work culture that I had previously enjoyed at TimberTech, where I managed national accounts for the composite decking industry, overseeing relationships with Home Depot and Lowe's.  Since joining Allegion, I have discovered a captivating industry and a supportive community. What motivates me to stay is the mission of making the world a safer place and the overall work itself. I genuinely enjoy going to work every day. SSN: Moving forward, what does the security industry need to consider when addressing diversity?  Anderson: The security industry needs to continue to go beyond mere talk and continue to demonstrate genuine commitment to diversity. It is important to actively seek out diverse perspectives and experiences, both in terms of hiring practices and conference speaker lineups. The security industry needs to address the barriers that prevent individuals from underrepresented groups from entering or advancing in the field.  It is also crucial to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment within the security industry. As a member of the SIA WISF, I co-chair the NavigateHER committee alongside Kasia Hanson. We are diligently working to seek funding from the SIA Endowment Program to fund actions like career coaching resources, access to training events, and resume resources to help women in security advance their careers.