Women in Security Profile: ‘I see women raising the bar,’ says Lisa Sobek

YARMOUTH, Maine—Lisa Sobek is a relative “newbie” in the security industry, but she has already seen the impact that women have made in a male-dominated field.  

“I have the privilege of learning from and working alongside some truly inspiring women in the security industry,” said Sobek, senior channel marketing manager at Allegion. “Whether at Allegion or through my involvement with Security Industry Association (SIA) committees, I see women raising the bar and leading our industry forward. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and colleagues who have supported my growth and recognize the importance of diverse perspectives.”  

While there have been and continue to be moments where she’s had to work harder to prove herself or navigate biases, those experiences have taught Sobek invaluable lessons in perseverance, preparation and self-advocacy. 

“Early in my career, finding my voice wasn’t always easy,” she said. “However, as my career progressed, I found success by leaning into my strengths, developing a strong personal brand and reputation, and using that foundation to build confidence in environments where I was often one of the few women in the room.” 

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 Sobek:  

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

Sobek: In my role at Allegion, my priorities reside in electronic access control within the commercial side of our business. I’m responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies that drive market activation, demand generation through key go-to-market channels, sales activation and customer engagement. 

Additionally, I am deeply committed to fostering strong relationships with channel partners and end customers. This includes equipping them with effective marketing tools and resources, as well as identifying new opportunities to enhance channel performance and engagement. 

SSN: How did you get into the security industry?  

Sobek: Two and a half years ago, it initially felt like I had stumbled into the security industry by chance. However, as I reflect, I realize it wasn’t an accident after all. With over 25 years of marketing experience, primarily in health care and higher education, my journey has led me to this point, where my expertise in marketing and strategy intersects perfectly with my passion for working in a purpose-driven field. Security is fundamental to everyday life, and being part of an industry and company dedicated to protecting people and places is incredibly rewarding. 

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

Sobek: Embrace the value of your unique strengths and to not underestimate the impact you can make early. The security industry is evolving fast, and diverse voices and perspectives are a differentiator and will be essential to driving innovation and meeting the needs of this market. 

SSN: What does the security industry need to consider when addressing diversity? 

Sobek: Diversity should be seen as an ongoing journey rather than a static goal. It requires intentional and sustained efforts to create equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups at all levels, from entry-level positions to executive leadership. These initiatives should extend beyond recruitment, focusing on cultivating inclusive spaces where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but actively sought to inform decision-making and spark innovation. 

I’m proud to work at a company like Allegion that understands diversity is an asset, not a limitation, and actively fosters an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.