For this edition of SECURE Perspectives, the Security Industry Association speaks with Sahiti Ravi of dormakaba, a Women in Security Forum AmbassadHER and co-chairperson of WISF’s AmbassadHER subcommittee.
Security Industry Association: How did you get into the security industry?
Sahiti Ravi: Honestly, I didn’t set out to join the security industry. As a mechanical engineer, I’ve had the chance to work across different industries and, at that point in my career, I was looking for my next opportunity to grow.
A recruiter reached out about a role at dormakaba, and I had never heard of the company or really understood what the security industry was all about. What caught my attention was the chance to be part of a global organization while continuing to build my career as an engineer.
Once I joined, I realized how meaningful and impactful security and access solutions are in people’s daily lives.
SIA: What is your current position?
Ravi: I currently work as a senior project engineer within dormakaba’s product development team.
SIA: What types of job functions do women fill in your company? Is there diversity of roles in your company, or do women gravitate toward certain job functions?
Ravi: Women contribute across a wide variety of roles at the company, including engineering, technology, finance, manufacturing, customer service, HR and beyond. Having people from different backgrounds, genders and cultures brings fresh perspectives, and it makes us stronger and helps us solve problems in ways a like-minded group never could.
To support women even further, dormakaba created the dormakaba Women’s Network, a resource group that encourages career development, mentoring, leadership and sharing ideas. It’s a place to connect, grow and support each other. I’m proud to work at a company that not only values diversity but also creates space for women to thrive across every part of the business.
SIA: With more and more data that shows diversity makes a better workforce, what opportunities do you see for women in the security industry?
Ravi: As organizations increasingly recognize that diverse teams lead to better outcomes, the security industry is seeing more opportunities open up for women across a wide range of roles.
From cybersecurity, risk management and security operations to leadership positions and product development, women are contributing valuable perspectives that help teams think more broadly and adapt more effectively to complex challenges.
There’s also growing involvement in education, mentoring and workforce development, which is helping to build a more inclusive and better-prepared talent pipeline. Although there’s still progress to be made, the industry is moving in a positive direction creating space for more women to grow, lead and make meaningful contributions to the evolving field of security.
SIA: What impediments do you see for achieving this? What could remedy some of these impediments?
Ravi: One of the biggest challenges is that many people simply aren’t aware of the wide range of roles available in the security industry, or they might not see themselves represented in those roles.
For women, this can sometimes mean fewer role models or less access to networks that help with career growth. In many cases, it’s not about intentional exclusion, but rather a need to create more visibility, support and encouragement.
To help move things forward, companies can focus on creating clearer pathways into the industry, offer mentorship and development programs and make sure teams are welcoming and inclusive.
Even small changes like highlighting diverse success stories or being thoughtful about how teams are built can make a big difference in opening doors and helping more women thrive in the field.
SIA: What do you see as important trends in the security industry?
Ravi: One of the biggest things happening in security right now is how much artificial intelligence is changing the game. It’s helping teams catch threats faster by analyzing loads of data in real time and it’s also automating a lot of the routine work that used to slow people down.
Along with that, we’re seeing a big boost in advanced detection technologies, including behavioral analytics, which look at how people and devices usually act to spot anything unusual before it becomes a problem.
Another important shift is how security is moving away from relying mostly on hardware like physical firewalls or devices and more toward software-driven solutions. This makes it easier to update and adapt quickly as threats evolve. Altogether, these trends are helping security teams be smarter, faster and more flexible in protecting what matters most.
SIA: More specifically, what trends are you seeing in dormakaba’s space as a manufacturer of security and access solutions?
Ravi: We’re seeing some exciting shifts in the world of security and access solutions. One major trend is towards connected access solutions and the Internet of Things, which are transforming how buildings are managed.
These technologies enable real-time monitoring and control, making operations more efficient and responsive. In health care, there’s a growing emphasis on revolutionizing access control to ensure safety and streamline operations in high-traffic environments.
Similarly, the hospitality industry is evolving to meet changing guest expectations, with access solutions playing a key role in creating safer and more convenient experiences. Airports are also adopting advanced access technologies to enhance security and improve passenger flow, reflecting the broader trend of enhancing security and passenger experience.
SIA: What are the top challenges your company has faced in the last year?
Ravi: Over the past year, dormakaba has faced challenges related to supply chain disruptions and tariff pressures that impacted production costs, especially in the U.S. market. In response, the company has focused on strengthening its operations by incorporating more readily available, high-quality components, which ensure easier installation and greater sustainability.
While navigating these supply chain fluctuations alongside evolving security requirements, dormakaba has prioritized innovation to enhance product reliability and improve the user experience.
By streamlining processes and investing in sustainable solutions, the company continues to adapt effectively to market demands while maintaining its commitment to delivering secure, efficient access solutions worldwide.
SIA: What are the most significant opportunities your company and the security industry are seeing?
Ravi: One of the biggest opportunities I see is the shift toward smarter, more connected access solutions. Customers want systems that are simple to use, integrate with other technologies and can be updated as their needs change. That creates a chance for the industry to design solutions that are not just secure but also flexible and future-ready.
Another opportunity is sustainability. There’s growing demand for products that last longer, use fewer resources and reduce environmental impact. As an engineer, I see this as an exciting challenge to design access solutions that are reliable and secure while also being better for the planet.
Overall, the opportunity lies in continuing to innovate developing solutions that are not only reliable today but also ready for the future.
SIA: What do you hope the SIA Women in Security Forum can achieve for the security industry?
Ravi: There’s already been great success with what the SIA Women in Security Forum is doing. My biggest hope is that it continues to inspire and influence even more people, growing its community to include everyone, not just women, but working toward a more balanced mix of men and women.
It’s about creating a supportive space where diverse voices are heard, helping to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive culture. When we achieve that kind of equality and collaboration, the entire security industry benefits and becomes stronger.
SIA: What is your best advice for women in the security industry?
Ravi: My best advice for women in the security industry is to believe in your expertise and never underestimate the value you bring to the table. Don’t be afraid to speak up, share your ideas and take on new challenges even if it feels outside your comfort zone.
Building a strong network of mentors and peers can make a huge difference so seek out those connections and support each other. Remember: your unique perspective is a strength that can drive innovation and positive change in this industry.
SIA: Who or what was the strongest influence in your career?
Ravi: There have been so many influences along the way, from my family, who was the first to support me and gave me the freedom to choose an educational path not typically pursued by women, to a professor who has always been there to guide and encourage me.
Over time, mentors helped me realize that being an introvert doesn’t mean you don’t belong in the room. They pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, which has led me to some of my greatest successes.
Honestly, I never expected to choose the security industry as my career path, but what I’ve learned is that having great mentors who inspire, guide and support you makes all the difference.
SIA: How do you define success?
Ravi: I define success as growing both personally and professionally while making a positive impact on the people and environment around me. It’s not just about hitting targets or titles; it’s also about continuous learning, overcoming challenges and contributing in meaningful ways.
Success means staying true to your values, lifting others up along the way and feeling fulfilled by the work you do and the difference you make.
SIA: What would you say to new upcoming women in the security industry?
Ravi: Trust in your abilities and don’t be afraid to take risks. Your unique perspective is valuable and needed. Seek out mentors, build your network and be open to learning every day. Remember, challenges are opportunities in disguise and every step you take helps pave the way for those who follow.
Keep pushing forward. You belong here, and the industry is better because of you.
SECURE Perspectives is a column by the Security Industry Association (SIA), profiling women in the security industry. This column is part of SIA’s Women in Security Forum (WISF), a community created to support the participation and advancement of women in the security industry, which fosters growth and advancement through programs, professional development and networking opportunities.
