Security Magazine is once again proud to unveil the honorees of our 2026 Women in Security program — a recognition of exceptional leadership, rising stars, unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to the security industry.

This year, we are celebrating six women whose impact reaches beyond their job titles shaping their organizations, advancing the field of security, and enriching the communities they serve. Their stories are a demonstration to the power of resilience, innovation and purpose in an ever-evolving industry.

Each year, we are inspired by the growing number of women making a difference across every corner of the security landscape. From cybersecurity to risk management to physical security, these professionals bring diverse backgrounds and bold perspectives to the challenges they face.

In this issue, we share these women’s journeys — the challenges they’ve overcome, the achievements they’ve earned, and the insights they offer to the next generation of security leaders. We’re honored to spotlight these women who continue to impact their organizations, their specialties, the security industry and the future in a positive way.

Julia Stuyt

Denise Platon

Hazel Cerra

Dr. Jazma Mekelle Parker

Hannah Behnke

Dina Atwell

 

For more of Security’s Women in Security program, visit:

• Security’s Leadership issue archives
• Security’s 2025 Women in Security
• Nominate a Women in Security leader for next year’s program!

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