Mentorship, Training, and Culture Shifts to Boost Workforce Development in the Security Sector

The security industry is facing a moment of transformation. Amid rapid technological shifts and workforce challenges, companies are realizing that talent — recruiting it, developing it, and retaining it — is now central to long-term success. At the same time, long-overdue conversations around inclusion, representation, and culture are gaining momentum across the sector. Workforce development in the security sector is no longer a background concern; it's a strategic priority. According to the Security Industry Association's inaugural U.S. Economic Impact Study, the industry supports over 2.1 million jobs and contributes $145.5 billion in wages — a clear signal that people are not just a part of the business, but the core driver of its value and growth.

But as the industry evolves, how do we ensure that its culture, leadership, and opportunities evolve with it? What will it take to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready workforce?

In this episode of AMAG Asks, host Kyle Gordon, EVP of Sales, Marketing and Commercial Excellence at AMAG Technology, sits down with Candice Aragon, Chief Experience Officer at PSA Network, and Elli Reges, Director of Learning and Development at the Security Industry Association (SIA). Together, they dig deep into the people side of the business — what's changed, what's still broken, and how workforce development in the security sector must evolve to support a more inclusive and resilient future.

Key Conversation Highlights:

• Progress and pain points in developing a stronger, more inclusive industry workforce. While progress is undeniable, challenges like retention, onboarding, and mentorship persist, especially for women and underrepresented groups.
• The rise of industry-led initiatives and grassroots communities. From SIA's Women in Security Forum to PSA's peer committees and the Security LeadHer conference, the conversation highlights the power of network-driven change.
• Tangible ways new talent can engage and grow. Candice and Elli share resources, career pathways, scholarship programs, and how even small players in the industry can plug into the broader ecosystem.

Candice Aragon is the Chief Experience Officer at PSA Network, where she leads marketing, education, events, and customer success with a focus on brand strategy and stakeholder engagement. With over 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, and customer experience across both B2B and B2C sectors, she has held senior leadership roles in credit unions and tech-driven companies. Candice is recognized for her strategic leadership and has received multiple industry honors, including SIA's 25 on the Rise and the Women in Security Forum Power 100.

Dr. Elli Reges is the Director of Learning and Development at the Security Industry Association (SIA), where she leads certification programs, workforce development initiatives, and industry training for events like ISC West and ISC East. With over a decade of experience in instructional design and program accreditation, she has built nationally recognized certifications such as the SICC and CSPM, helping to elevate professional standards across the security sector. Her career has focused on transforming organizations into learning-driven operations that enhance team performance, reduce risk, and strengthen the industry's overall security posture.