ASIS Toronto Women in Leadership Symposium

The event opened with speaker Nicole Deal, Special Agent with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security for the U.S. Dept. of State and current Pan Am Games Security Coordinator. Deal talked about her 15-plus-years in security, rising through the ranks, taking on assignments all over the globe in order to gather experience and advance her career. She urged young professionals to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded them and showcase their skills at every level of their careers. Be cognizant of your surroundings, she said — not only of the country and its culture, but also the organziation you find yourself in, and adapt accordingly. You will experience doubters and skeptics, but don’t take that to heart. Confidence and professionalism will allow you to find your leadership skills, she said. She also told assembled women that they shouldn’t be surprised if they are the first female to fill a senior role in an organization — women are blazing trails in security and there is work still to be done.

The afternoon also featured sessions from Susan Munn, ARVP Women in Security; Karl Hagglund, Stryder Performance; Kimberly O’Toole, Toronto Police Service and a lecturer at the University of Guelph Humber; and Jo-Ann Savoie, Hamilton Police Service and President of the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement.

The event was immediately followed by the ASIS Toronto Chapter AGM, where the newly elected 2015 board was presented. Current chapter chair Mike Soberal will continue his position through 2015. Newly elected members include vice-chair JD Killeen, secretary Shannon Toomey, and treasurer Colin Doe. The Ron Minion award, awarded annually to a Canadian who is making a difference in the security industry, was presented to Christina Duffey, an 18-year member of ASIS International.