This is What Security Looks Like
Celebrating the Women of the ASIS International UK Chapter
This International Women’s Day, we want to highlight the women who make the security industry what it is - resilient, forward-thinking, and essential. Security is often seen as a male-dominated field, but every day, women across the industry play vital roles in shaping its future. From risk management and cybersecurity to frontline operations and strategic leadership, women in security are breaking barriers, leading innovation, and redefining what security looks like.
At ASIS International UK, we believe representation matters. That’s why, this year, we asked the incredible women in our community to share a photo of themselves at work, along with a few words about what being in security means to them.
These are the women shaping the industry. These are the women leading by example. This is what security looks like.
To every woman working in security: we see you, we celebrate you, and we thank you. Let’s continue to support, uplift, and champion one another - not just today, but every day.
Farah Benis, Managing Director, FFA Security Group
“Security is about trust, vigilance, and impact - protecting people, assets, and ideas while shaping a safer more resilient world.”
Gayner Coulson, Head of Risk & Resilience EMEA, Amazon
“Working in security means protecting people, assets, and operations with resilience, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to risk management in an ever-evolving global landscape.”
Debbie Cassie MSyI, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Security Solutions
“As COO, I am proud to lead in security, creating career opportunities for underrepresented groups and driving excellence through integrity, discretion, and professionalism.”
Anne Marie Chebib, Chair, United Kingdom Crowd Management Association (UKCMA) & Managing Director, Select Security & Stewarding Ltd
“Working in security means to me - the art and science of managing people safely.”
Anushka Gopeechund, Senior Security Advisor, Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority Ltd
“In security, women bring unique perspectives that transform protection strategies, balancing technical excellence with ethical leadership to build empowered, resilient security cultures.”
Hannah Miller, Junior Security Consultant, Trident Manor
“For me, security is helping members of the cultural sector protect their assets for future generations.”
Yoyo Hamblen, Podcast Host , The Security Circle & Cyber Security Leadership
“Working in Security provides so many opportunities, to go in so many different directions and to keep learning and developing.”
Melanie Harrison, Physical Security Advisor, NatWest Group
“Adapting to ever changing threats, providing support and guidance where required to keep us all safer gives great job satisfaction.”
Hayley Elvins CSyP Managing Director, Sloane Risk Group Ltd
“Being a security consultant is deeply rewarding - I safeguard people and organisations from diverse threats, ensuring safety, resilience, and trust in an ever-evolving world.”
Nicola Thompson, Embedded Physical Security Manager, Control Risk
“Working as part of a team to utilise my knowledge and experience to help protect the business and people, and enjoy the collaboration where everyone is working together to achieve our goals.”
Irona Wilson, Secretariat, ASIS UK Chapter & Director, Irona Support Services
“I love that I help support businesses and people in tackling emerging security threats, working in partnership with UK policing, industry bodies, and security-focused charities.”
Julie Hulme, Customer Services Director, BOLD Security
“Working in security for 30+ years, I’ve seen it evolve - embracing inclusivity, empowering women, and fostering trust. It’s about protecting people, adapting, and driving positive change.”
Letitia Emeana, Global Security Capability Manager, Unilever PLC
“Working in security means advocating for diversity, putting people first, and enhancing global security knowledge and capabilities.”
