Article Originally Published Here.
The Security Industry Association (SIA) Women in Security Forum(WISF) community has kicked off the sixth annual Essential 4 Jobs Security Giveback program, coinciding with ISC West, that supports Dress for Success Southern Nevada’s efforts to help women build careers and achieve financial independence. This local affiliate of the international nonprofit organization empowers women in the Las Vegas Valley to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help them succeed in work and in life.
The Women in Security Forum has chosen to partner with Dress for Success Southern Nevada because safety and security begin with financial stability. This struggle is particularly profound for women living in Nevada, where 12% of women aged 65 and older live in poverty and struggle to afford basic needs such as food, stable housing, and health insurance, and 31% of female-headed households with children are living in poverty.
To maximize the impact of this year’s program, WISF and the initiative’s organizers are urging companies to set up donation boxes at their facilities to collect clothing and accessories appropriate for service industry workers.
The items most in demand are new or gently used:
- Basic black work attire
- Button-down and polo shirts—preferably white or black
- Slacks—navy, khaki, or gray
- Handbags
- Flats, loafers, and other low-heel, closed-toe workplace shoes—black, brown, or blue (no sneakers)
- Accessories: belts, scarves, and jewelry
- New, unopened makeup for darker skin tones
- Hygiene kits: New, sealed travel-size toiletries, liquid shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer (no bars of soap)
Companies can ship the collected goods to ISC West inside their crates. Once there, donations can be brought to the collection boxes at the SIA booth, #8089.
SIA members are encouraged to share and promote their participation in Essentials 4 Job Security on social media to inspire others to join in this meaningful giveback.
SIA’s Women in Security Forum works to engage all security professionals to promote, recruit, and cultivate women’s leadership for a bolder presence within the industry. In addition to the Essentials 4 Job Security Giveback, the SIA Women in Security Forum offers several programs and activities, including the WISF Power 100, an annual initiative showcasing 100 women who are role models, leaders, innovators and influencers in global security; the SIA Progress Award, which celebrates individuals who advance opportunities for women in the security industry; the SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship, which furthers educational opportunities and advancement for a diverse security workforce; special events at ISC West and East; other volunteer efforts that give back to the community; co-development of the Security LeadHER conference; support of the Women in Biometrics Awards; and engaging networking and professional growth events. Membership in the SIA Women in Security Forum is free and open to all employees of SIA member companies and SIA student members. (Not a SIA member yet? You can still join and will be subscribed to Women in Security Forum news, although you may not receive full member privileges.) Learn more and get involved here.
