Working on Me, Working With Me, Working With Them
What does leadership in the security industry look like before the title comes? This session features three emerging professionals who entered the security space from different engineering paths and are actively shaping how work gets done early on in their careers.
Through real-world experiences, we’ll explore how the next wave of leaders builds confidence, establishes credibility and drives results across teams and functions. You’ll learn how to represent yourself effectively, turn ideas into data-driven action, how to find leadership without the titl and navigate workplace gaps between the technical individual contributor and the various end users we talk to daily.
Speakers
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Katelynn RooneyDesign Engineer
dormakaba -
Sahiti RaviSenior Project Engineer
dormakabaSahiti Ravi works as a project engineer in product development at dormakaba. She holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and an undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering.
At dormakaba, Ravi focuses on developing designs that enhance security and convenience to optimize entry systems, along with performing simulations and testing to ensure seamless design integration. Through her work, she aims to create seamless and secure entry experiences while embracing the latest advancements in the field.
Beyond her core role, Ravi serves as an AmbassadHER as part of the SIA Women in Security Forum and volunteers as a webmaster for the Society of Women Engineers in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, region helping connect and empower women engineers through digital engagement. In her previous roles, she also actively volunteered in engagement and culture/social committees, something she has always been passionate about, as it fosters inclusion, engagement and a positive work environment.
Throughout her career, Ravi has worked across multiple industries, leading hands-on projects and contributing to research that has driven product innovation, improved process efficiency and supported business growth. She has also taken an active role in social and culture committees, driven by a belief in inclusive workplaces where people feel connected and empowered. Ravi’s journey in engineering continues to be fueled by curiosity, a love for problem solving and a commitment to making a meaningful impact both through her work and through advocacy.
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Maya SearsMechanical Engineer II
dormakabaMaya Sears works as a mechanical engineer II in product development at dormakaba. She received a SIA RISE scholarship in 2023 to further her education, including receiving a CORe Credential from Harvard Business School, and was named one of SIA’s 25 on the RISE in 2024. Sears graduated in 2022 with a degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
