An inspiring session “Breaking Barriers: A Reflection on Our Journey,” focusing on trailblazing women in security sharing their personal and professional stories with a focus on security at impactful events. This panel will explore the challenges they’ve faced, the milestones they’ve achieved, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Gain insight into the experiences that have shaped these remarkable women and be inspired by their resilience and determination.

Discover the future of security with “Shaping Tomorrow: Defining the Future of Security,” for a panel discussion featuring our highlighted leaders. This session will explore the critical role women play in shaping the future of security. With an ever shifting landscape across technology, live events and evolving threats, staying ahead of the curve is critical. Learn how today’s leaders are paving the way for the next generation of women in security, ensuring a diverse and dynamic future.

Ever wonder what it takes to work with the Secret Service when planning an event for the President of the United States, or the security agencies for other global leaders? How about the detail you need when working with a national recording artist who is providing the entertainment for your opening night welcome reception?

Join SEAS Productions CXO, Troy J. Peters, CTS as he moderates a panel of security professionals talking through first hand experiences working with sports legends, entertainment acts, global leaders, and even The President of the United States and how event planners, security agencies, and production companies work together to make sure everyone on stage and everyone attending the event is safe from start to finish.

Min Kyriannis
CEO | Co-Founder
AMYNA Systems Inc.
linkedin.com/in/mkyri

Min Kyriannis is the CEO and Co-Founder of AMYNA Systems Inc.  For over two decades, Ms. Kyriannis has cultivated an expertise in enterprise and converged systems, information technology, operational technology, cybersecurity, physical security, and risk management.

Ms. Kyriannis has held senior roles in systems design, procurement, and implementation and has managed teams exceeding 200 personnel. Her experience has encompassed the oversight of Security Operation Centers (SOCs), consultancy for multinational corporations, and the formulation of industry-defining cybersecurity and network security policies that now stand as the cornerstone of the contemporary real estate landscape.

Ms. Kyriannis has received numerous industry and thought-leadership awards. As a Co-founder of the Global Cyber Consortium, she plays a pivotal role in shaping cybersecurity initiatives for building automation and IoT systems. Furthermore, she serves on the advisory boards of Security Systems News, the International Society of Automation (ISA) Aerospace, and the Curious Minds Dive Foundation. Ms. Kyriannis has served as a judge for the American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards since its inception and has been the recipient of their Excellence in Cyber Security Award in 2022 and the Distinguished Excellence in Cyber Security Award in 2019.  Her commitment to advancing the field is further evident in her roles as a Board member for Women in International Security (WIIS) and as a member of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), New York Metro InfraGard, and the President’s Council.

Ms. Kyriannis’ leadership extends to her past roles as Chair of SIA’s Cybersecurity Advisory Board, Vice-Chair of SIA’s New Product Showcase, and co-Chair of WIIS-NY, solidifying her influence in shaping industry standards.

As a native English speaker, Ms. Kyriannis not only possesses fluency in Chinese-Mandarin and Chinese Taiwanese but also exhibits conversational proficiency in Japanese and Chinese-Cantonese, underscoring her exceptional global communication capabilities.

Karen Gispanski
Senior Director of Enterprise Cyber Security, Privacy,
and Information Officer (CISO)
Millennium Healthcare
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-g-869a275/

Karen Gispanski is the Senior Director of Enterprise Cyber Security, Privacy, and Information Officer (CISO) at Millennium Healthcare, a multi-state healthcare delivery organization, that is recognized as a prominent healthcare delivery platform. It is fundamentally anchored in the practice of primary care and focuses on advancing and implementing value-based healthcare paradigms to achieve better health outcomes for over 750K patients.

She is responsible for the Enterprise Information Security Program, which includes cyber security governance, risk management, privacy, and operations. Karen is a cyber security trailblazer with over 25 years’ experience working in the field. She has held several strategic, security leadership roles, including leading executive committees to reduce cyber security risk through establishing risk programs, standard security operating practices, with cost objectives.

Her experience crosses multiple industries such as: healthcare, managed security services, financial, manufacturing and consulting. She has successfully implemented and managed international teams, enterprise solutions, built security operations and cyber risk programs. Her diversity of experience extends from Fortune 500 companies, such as Nielsen and ADT to building security services for med to small businesses. Karen is well-versed in security compliance and risk management programs; having achieved certifications such as: HITRUST, PCI, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 certifications.

Karen is committed to utilizing her expertise in cyber security and has served on boards for over seventeen years as a cyber security expert. Her board service has included: Cloud Security Alliance Tampa Bay Chapter, Center for Cyber Safety and Education, Jacksonville Infragard Members Alliance, and Jacksonville FBI Citizens Academy.

Danielle Weddepohl
Executive Director, Safety and Emergency Management,
Sheridan College
linkedin.com/in/danielle-weddepohl-79bb3979

Danielle Weddepohl oversees Security Operations, Emergency Management, threat assessment and a 24/7 Security Operations Centre across Sheridan College’s three campuses.  After completing a Master’s degree in Military and Strategic Studies with a focus on Terrorism and Security, Danielle served as a Senior Project Officer at the Canada Border Services Agency, and as an Intelligence Analyst at the Communications Security Establishment Canada. Danielle then became a faculty member in Sheridan’s School of Public Safety where she taught courses across the Investigations and Police Foundations programs. Danielle is dedicated to advancing whole approaches to security and threat mitigation by fostering close relationships between internal departments and with community and industry partners. Danielle’s unique background in Public Safety and education is one that cultivates community wellness by fostering security responses that are grounded in care and concern, customer service, and equitable practice. Danielle is also a member of the ASIS Toronto Chapter, Women in Security Committee, the Security Industry Association (SIA), the National Association for Behavioural Intervention and Threat Assessment (NABITA), The Ontario Association of College and University Security Administrators (OACUSA), the Safe Schools Advisory Group (Hamilton Wentworth District School Board), and the Advisory Board for “Canadian Security”.

Stacey Champagne
Founder & CEO,
Hacker in Heels
https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceychampagne/

Stacey Champagne, Founder & CEO of Hacker in Heels, supports ambitious women in claiming positions of power within the cybersecurity industry. She leverages over a decade of experience building and leading cybersecurity programs at Fortune 500s and startups alike to enable women in achieving their biggest career goals. Through her content, courses, coaching, and events, Stacey helps women in cybersecurity get paid, promoted, and recognized for their value and impact. Her efforts have garnered recognition from industry organizations, including the 2023 Cybersecurity Advocate of the Year Award from the Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu.

Stacey is a recognized and published subject matter expert in insider risk management and incident response. She continues to apply her own cybersecurity talents as a contractor for the federal government, and as a vCISO for women entrepreneurs and small businesses. Stacey holds multiple certifications including Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE), GIAC Security Leadership Certified (GSLC), GIAC Security Operations Management (GSOM), and Insider Threat Program Manager (ITPM). She earned her MS in Security and Resilience Studies with a focus on Cybersecurity Policy from Northeastern University, and graduate certificate in Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity from Boston University.

Linda Florence, Ph.D., CPP
Founder, The Florence Group LLC & Director of Security & Business Continuity Planned Parenthood, Orange & San Bernardino Counties ~ CA

Dr Linda Florence is also the Managing Director of The Florence Group, specializing in Enterprise Security Risk, Behavioral Threat assessments, WPV training and leadership coaching.  During her 30+ year career, she has lead security operations for Fortune 100 organizations including financial services, hospitality and manufacturing.   Her consulting portfolio includes high-net-worth clients, the U.S. military overseas, federal law enforcement agencies, and is a qualified expert witness in Security.

She has both a MS and Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology with published research in Workplace Violence Prevention.  Linda’s academic teaching experience includes serving as the Dean for two universities, and she continues to mentor doctoral candidates.  She is a published author and researcher, including the Security Competency Model, which was adopted by the U.S. Department of Labor.  In 2018, Linda was recognized by the ASIS Women in Security Council with the prestigious Karen Marquez Award  for her lifelong commitment to education.  She is a two time recipient of the President’s Award of Merit in 2001 and 2015 respectively.  

Andrea Chedas
Head of Corporate Security,
Wealthsimple
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-chedas/

Andrea is an internationally recognised thought leader and practitioner in crisis management and corporate security. She is a seasoned professional in security with over two decades of experience spanning law enforcement and the private and public sectors.

As an internationally recognised thought leader with over 20 years of high-level private and public sector experience, Andrea offers a singular perspective on crisis management’s needs and challenges in corporate and private sector programs. Andrea has extensive experience managing various international security operations, logistics, procurement, investigations, and training projects, including crisis response for natural disasters, cyber-attacks, and civil unrest.

From 2007 to 2015, Andrea served as a law enforcement officer with the Toronto Police Service, where she demonstrated her leadership skills in fraud and financial crime investigations. Her senior manager position at Scotiabank, where she built the first Major Case Unit, showcased her ability to lead and coordinate large-scale global investigations, instilling confidence in her abilities.

As the head of corporate security at WealthSimple Technologies, Andrea’s responsibilities include safeguarding personnel, managing insider threats, ensuring travel security, and protecting high-value assets that impact national security. She also plays a vital role as the Vice Chair for the Canadian chapter of ISRM (Institution for Strategic Risk Management), where she contributes to developing strategic risk management practices and fosters collaboration among industry professionals. She’s been published in the “Building Blocks of a Global Investigation Program” and the Crisis Response Journal on “The Heart of the Art of De-escalation.” Andrea is deeply committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and mentorship within the security community.

Recently, Andrea has embarked on a new journey, venturing into entrepreneurship with her own business, Black Widow Guardian. In this new venture, she is offering tailored security solutions

for individuals with heightened security concerns, including training and mentorship for security professionals. Andrea is not just a dedicated professional but also a passionate family person. With two beautiful children, she understands and appreciates the benefits and challenges of balancing commitments and, most importantly, the importance of work-life balance.

Constance Matthews Reynolds
Founder & CEO
ReynCon
https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniematthews/

Connie Matthews Reynolds is the Founder and CEO of ReynCon, a cybersecurity training and consulting provider. She is a passionate cybersecurity expert who has worked in the industry for over 19 years.

ReynCon focuses on training and development in InfoSec/Cybersecurity domains. They work with companies to build comprehensive programs that drive positive change in the business and upskill their teams.

Connie’s passion drove her to start her own company, ReynCon Educational Services & Training, which offers cybersecurity training to help educate companies and individuals seeking to build awareness of soft and technical cybersecurity training.
Connie is a trailblazer in the Ohio tech industry and was recently named among 11 recipients of Verizon’s inaugural Ohio Trailblazers Award. She was named a finalist for the Cyber Security Woman of The World and Cyber Security Woman Volunteer of the World (2023).
Connie currently serves as the President of Central Ohio ISSA, Co-Chair of the Leadership Team of ISSA International, and Advisor of Per Scholas Columbus, OH. She also advises Netskope, Breach Siren, and Accelerating Angels.

Angela White

Servant-leader, breaker of glass ceilings, and expert in the electronic security industry.

Angela’s career has evolved over the last 40 years as she’s grown from a single mom in the restaurant industry to serving as the President of the Electronic Security Association; transformed companies operationally and financially, hired and developed teams, and owned her own companies.

Adept in assessing and optimizing business processes, creating and implementing strategies for growth, and cultivating relationships with vendors and customers. She is a visionary and operator who enjoys motivating teams to align on a clear mission and produce desired results.

Passionate about electronic security and smart technology given the peace of mind it offers to consumers and businesses. Read more about her journey here: https://esaweb.org/overcoming-the-odds-in-electronic-security-breaking-the-glass-ceiling/

Personally, she is most proud of being a mom to my 4 children and grandmother to 14 grandchildren.

Every day is an opportunity for her to inspire others to excel in their careers while maintaining a healthy personal life and close ties with family.

Aarti Gadhia
Principal Security Specialist, Microsoft
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aartigadhia/

Aarti Gadhia is a changemaker and has dedicated her entire career to breaking down barriers and boundaries to achieve equality for underrepresented groups in STEM and in leadership. She was honored for her contribution to the cybersecurity community by being named as one of the Top 20 Women in Cyber Security in Canada. Aarti founded Standout To Lead to empower women in cybersecurity to join boards and SHE (Sharing Her Empowerment), a resource group with a mission to be a collective voice and accelerate change within the organization.

 She currently works at Microsoft and brings 25 years of sales and leadership experience. She has worked at cybersecurity organizations such as Sophos, Trend, VMWare Carbon Black, Bugcrowd and Tines. Aarti actively participates in the cyber security community as a speaker, a mentor and a judge for provincial scholarships. She volunteers her time on the OWASP Vancouver Board, WiCyS Western Canada Affiliate Board, Vigitrust Global advisory board and serves on the ObserveID board.

 Aarti is one of the authors of the book “The Rise of the Cyber Women: Volume Two” and was quoted in Canadian Security Magazine as she shared her views on the importance of soft skills to break down barriers in traditional hiring. She is excited to share her involvement as the Sponsorship Chair for the first global herstory in the making “The Women In Security Documentary”.

 Due to her international background, she loves to travel and learn different cultures. Her tagline: “Be Authentic, Be Yourself.”