‘The work being done to recruit more women to the industry is truly taking off,’ says Jenna Hardie

YARMOUTH, Maine—Jenna Hardie, director of marketing and PR at HiveWatch, feels that there are two major steps that the security industry must take to improve diversity in the workforce.

“To borrow an answer from a former colleague in charge of recruiting, the answer is sourcing,” Hardie said. “Hiring teams need to look beyond traditional methods for sourcing talent that encompasses a broader group of people with varying backgrounds to achieve diversity. But the second part of that is ensuring that these individuals have a voice and seat at the table when decisions are being made that directly impact their well-being and careers. Companies won’t be successful at achieving diversity until they prioritize it internally.”

As part of Security Systems News’ and the SIA Women in Security Forum’s continuing series highlighting the contributions of women in security, the following is an exclusive Q&A with Hardie:

SSN: What is your current position and your current roles and responsibilities?

Hardie: I have been working with HiveWatch in some capacity since its inception in 2020, but most recently as director of marketing and PR. Alongside our vice president of marketing, I help with strategic planning for communications and messaging, brand awareness and management, content development and marketing, event planning, public relations, social media development, working with sales to ensure alignment with all the work they are doing, and supporting CEO communications, as well.

SSN: How did you get into the security industry? What motivates you to stay?

Hardie: I joined a marketing and PR agency more than 10 years ago that was focused solely on the physical security industry. While it was a huge learning curve to understand how companies go to market, the jargon associated and the ways that the ecosystem is intertwined, it was the people I created connections with throughout my career in the industry that has kept me in it.

I took a two-year break to work in cybersecurity, which was a perfect complement to the work I do now, but I quickly realized that I enjoyed the camaraderie I had in physical security, so I made my way back.

SSN: What has your journey been like in a male-dominated industry without much diversity?

Hardie: When I went to my first trade show in 2014, it was a huge culture shock to be vastly outnumbered in every room and interaction across the industry. I know that I share a similar experience with many women in the industry, and when I say that I didn’t always feel comfortable in the environment and my interactions with male counterparts. It took a while to become comfortable speaking up, acknowledging that I had more to learn, and knowing that not everyone will see you as someone who provides value simply because of your gender.

A decade later, I see more diverse faces at each show that I attend, and I’ve served on the WISF subcommittee for marketing. I know that the work being done to recruit more women to the industry is truly taking off.

SSN: What advice would you give other women thinking about getting into the security industry who are just getting started? 

Hardie: My advice is to get involved and don’t dismiss the power of networking. In the last few years especially, the industry has expanded access to groups aimed at bringing individuals together. WISF, SIA RISE for young professionals, and so many national and regional ASIS groups are a great way to get started.