WESTMINSTER, Colo. — It didn’t take long for Candice Aragon to fall in love with the security industry when she joined PSA almost six years ago. Since her transition from the credit union industry, she’s continued to make connections across the sector and earned a promotion to chief experience officer at PSA Network.
Here’s more from Aragon, in her own words, as our celebration of International Women’s History Month stretches into April.
Security Sales & Integration: How did you get into the security industry?
Candice Aragon: I started my career in security six years ago at PSA to lead the marketing and events teams! My background is in public relations, communications and marketing and I’d previously worked in the credit union industry.
While the position was a great match for my skill set and in my local market, I was also drawn to the cooperative nature of the organization, the mission, and, most importantly, the people! I pretty quickly fell in love with the security industry and was able to dive in and participate in the Women in Security Forum and the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools.
SSI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your security industry career?
Aragon: The biggest obstacles I’ve faced in the industry have been learning the technology and the various nuances of the industry. Luckily, PSA has tremendous resources like our online learning management system, events, committees, etc. Likewise, we have amazing industry partnerships and I’ve been able to attend many wonderful industry conferences and trade shows to continue to learn and grow.
The diversity has greatly improved over the six years I’ve been in the industry. Initially, it was quite intimidating to be one of the few women in many rooms. Luckily, I’ve found a great community of women and plenty of allies to walk the path with me.
SSI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Aragon: I’ve been blessed to have amazing leaders throughout my career. My first position was on the public relations team at Realtor.com, and my supervisors were incredible women. They helped me grow, pushed me, challenged me and taught me how to lead with empathy and compassion.
My father fell extremely ill when I was a brand-new employee there, long before remote work was widely accepted. My supervisor proved she cared more about my well-being than my work output and was flexible as I navigated my father’s illness. I have modeled my leadership style on those early leaders.
I am tremendously thankful to work with Matt Barnette and Allen Riggs as well. I learn from them constantly and feel tremendously supported. Matt and Allen both roll up their sleeves daily to take care of their teams and our members.
Matt knows the industry inside and out. I greatly respect his opinion and point of view and his willingness to always be my sounding board. Allen has helped me understand the financial aspects of business in ways I never thought I could. PSA is lucky to have them at the helm.
I’ve been shaped the most by the teams that I’ve managed, though. They all have gifts or skill sets that challenge my way of thinking, open me up to new possibilities, etc. My teams at PSA are dedicated, smart, hardworking… but mostly, they care about each other and PSA’s vision to be the rising tide.
SSI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Aragon: I won the Women in Security Forum Power 100 for a third and final time this year. I’m so thankful to be honored alongside some of the most impressive professionals in our industry! I will also be stepping in as chairwoman of WISF in May. I have large shoes to fill following behind Kasia Hanson and Alice DiSanto.
Alice and Kasia are both so passionate about advancing women in the industry and volunteer hours upon hours of their time to do so. Being in their company is humbling.
Likewise, I’m proud of the growth and development of my teams at PSA. Our events are constantly improving, our customer success department has been completely overhauled, our brands are stronger than ever and our learning resources and services are among the best in the industry. These are all directly correlated to the hard work of our team.
SSI: What do you love most about working in the security industry?
Aragon: The community! Everyone is so kind and welcoming and genuinely supports one another. This may be hard to believe for those who know me, but I’m very shy! I was so intimidated in the early days at industry events and have had so many take me under their wing and make me feel at ease.
My second favorite thing about security, though, is the outcome of our hard work! In our industry, we are securing futures and protecting what matters most.
SSI: How can the security industry become even better?
Security can only become stronger by continuing to attract and retain diverse talent. Different perspectives drive innovation. Our industry is poised to continue to grow and thrive as long as we have talented professionals joining our ranks every day.
PSA has partnered with the Security Industry Association to develop the Security Industry Careers Guide. The guide offers an extensive overview of the industry and the career opportunities within it. Likewise, we are developing an outreach program to help employers connect with trade schools, colleges and universities in their markets to drive awareness about the industry.
There are plenty of resources to support talent acquisition in security for those who are looking for it.
Click here to check out our entire Women in Security Q&A series!