Professional Security’s Women in Security (WiS) Awards have been celebrating the exceptional women shaping the security industry for 15 years. Three years ago began the Women in Security Academy, as a space for mentoring and networking. Our long-time contributor Una Riley marks a milestone as she welcomes Shivanshi Sharma, pictured, to lead the Academy.
Let’s start with your own story. What inspired your decision to take on the role for the Women in Security Academy?
Shiv Sharma: Having started out young in the industry, I have seen the power of the right support network. As more and more women are starting to choose the security industry, it is important to think about how we can not only welcome them, but also provide structures to support their growth and leadership progression. The WiS Awards have created an incredible legacy by recognising outstanding women. I see the Academy as a natural next step — building on that recognition to create a platform for continuous development, meaningful mentorship, and long-term impact.
Why do you think the Women in Security Academy is so important?
Shiv: Security is evolving rapidly, from complex cyber threats to global crises; this makes the need for diverse perspectives more critical than ever. The Academy provides a unique space where accomplished women can come together, share experiences, learn from one another, and build a strong, supportive community. By empowering more women into leadership roles, the Academy aims to strengthen the industry’s response to emerging challenges and also redefine the future of security.
How do you see WiS supporting women through the Academy, beyond the awards recognition?
Shiv: Recognition is so very important, but it is only the starting point. The Academy offers what comes after. By enabling an active network of leading men and women, we will be demanding and building a system that sustains women through their careers, whether they’re starting out or stepping into boardrooms.
Is the Academy just for women?
Shiv: While the Academy is designed to support and advance women in the security industry, it’s not exclusive to women. We recognise that real progress requires collaboration. Men who are committed to advancing gender equality are very much part of the conversation — as mentors, allies, and advocates. The Academy is about encouraging open dialogue and creating systemic changes across the industry.
What values will you bring?
Shiv: Collaboration, authenticity, and intentional growth. I want every woman in our Academy to feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow. I believe real change requires working closely with the broader industry, and I’m looking forward to enabling the Academy’s engagement with stakeholders to drive lasting shifts in culture, leadership pipelines, and access to opportunities.
What are some of your immediate priorities for the first year?
Shiv: First, expanding our professional development offerings — including workshops, panels, and leadership pathways that tackle real-world challenges. Second, building strong, two-way connections with industry bodies and stakeholders to foster collaboration and influence. And third, amplifying our visibility to ensure the Academy is recognised as a thought leader in advancing gender equality within the security sector.
If we fast forward five years, what do you hope the Academy will have achieved?
Shiv: I hope we’ll see a tangible increase in women not just entering security, but leading at the highest levels. I envision a robust, international network of women supporting each other, influencing policy, innovating, and reshaping how security is perceived and delivered.
On a personal level, what does this role mean to you?
Shiv: This role is both a privilege and a responsibility. I stand on the shoulders of so many incredible women who have paved the way before me — many recognised through the Awards. This position gives me the opportunity to give back and to help ensure that the next generation of women have even greater opportunities. It’s about honouring that legacy, but also driving active, meaningful change.
And any message you’d like to share with the women who are part of the Academy or who may join?
Shiv: You belong here. Whether you’re just starting out or leading, your voice, your perspective matter. Together, we can build a stronger and better security industry for all.
About WiS
The Professional Security Magazine Women in Security Awards 2025 are at Shakespeare’s Underglobe on London’s South Bank on Thursday night, September 11. Nominations close on July 18. Visit https://professionalsecurity.co.uk/wis-awards/. The categories: Business Manager, Contribution to Industry, Technical, Security Manager, and Front line.
About Shiv
Having recognised a gap in the market, she founded SSC Ltd, a marketing and branding consultancy that specialises in the security industry. She has built and scaled her business across two continents, leading a team that manages communication efforts for many established organisations operating in complex environments – from policing to risk management, threat monitoring, built environment security, and more.
Recognised for her entrepreneurial excellence with the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals’ Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2024), Shivanshi combines strategic insight with a passion for empowering others. She also holds an MSc in Management from Cranfield University.
In 2025, Shivanshi has taken on the role at the Women in Security Academy, where she is dedicated to advancing the development, leadership, and inclusion of women across the security industry. She is looking to champion collaboration, professional growth, and industry-wide engagement to create systemic change.
She has also previously served as the Director of Marketing for the International Professional Security Association (IPSA), where she worked with government bodies, associations, regulators, media, and key industry stakeholders to get front-line professionals the recognition and resolution they deserve. Shivanshi is a Committee Member of the Devizes Food and Drinks Festival, contributing to her local community. Her LinkedIn account is https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivanshisharma/.
