Fostering The Next Generation Of Women Security Tech Leaders

Dara Riordan is the President and COO of FaceFirst Inc., a global leader in facial recognition and AI-driven security software.

For years, the month of March has been a time to reflect on women’s leadership and progress. Despite an increase in overall leadership roles, women executives remain underrepresented in the security technology and AI fields. According to the German think tank Interface, women comprise only 22% of AI talent globally, with even lower representation (14%) at senior levels.

As president of FaceFirst, a leading facial recognition provider for security applications, I recognize the impact women can make on this industry. As a proud mom of five children, including four daughters, I know it’s important to provide mentoring and leadership opportunities.

We can help a new generation of women be instrumental in developing and implementing security technology.

Harnessing The Power Of Instinct And Innovation

Women, particularly mothers, are often considered more nurturing and instinctive due to biological, psychological and social factors. “Mama Bear” is a term long used to reference women’s instinct to protect and defend. This Mama Bear instinct and intuition can be used to develop, design or enhance security technology and programs.

Likewise, research has found that estrogen facilitates higher cognitive functions by affecting brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

As security continues evolving with advancements in AI-driven threat detection, cloud security and physical security solutions, diverse perspectives are needed. The battle against active shooter incidents, retail crime and in-store assaults requires innovation driven by a range of experiences and insights.

Women’s leadership can provide a fresh lens on problem-solving, risk assessment and community protection strategies.

Let me be clear: Meritocracy, skill and interest are prerequisites. Pair this intuition with the proper education, training and skill sets, though, and the potential for the next generation of women leaders in security technology is high.

Access, Education And Empowerment

To bridge the gender gap in AI and security technology, we must expand educational opportunities and roles for women in security technology. This is key to shaping future leaders.

To encourage women to join the field, it will also be crucial to share the vital role security technology is playing in society.

Computer vision can transform life safety, loss prevention and investigative efficiencies. It can also help with the identification, rescue or recovery of missing and exploited people, the vast majority of whom are women.

When I speak to high school students about security technology, I emphasize how these security innovations enhance our everyday experiences. Whether shopping for groceries, purchasing beauty products or enjoying concerts, recognizing how technology affects our daily lives and communities is the first step in identifying threats and theft patterns. Discerning and responding to such patterns can help deter violence.

Unlike many technology fields, where the end-user impact may seem distant, computer vision provides immediate, visible results, particularly in life safety and threat detection.

As a parent, I see firsthand how early exposure to technology shapes future perspectives. Whether my children choose careers in STEM or AI-driven threat technology or something else entirely different, security will continue to evolve and play a critical role in their lives and safety. I want my children to understand technology’s profound impact on shaping a safer world.

During this Women’s History Month, I challenge us all to commit to providing education, mentorship and job opportunities for young women that empower them to succeed in the security technology industry and beyond.

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