Canada’s First Lady of Security

You have been referred to as ‘Canada’s First Lady of Security’. What is your role within the Security Partners’ Forum?

I was given that name by SecurityInfoWatch back in 2015 when I was getting ready to speak at the “Secured Cities” conference in Houston Texas. As for my role within the SPF I serve as the Executive Director which means that I oversee the day-to-day operations of the global network. I also serve as the International Coordinator of the WISECRA sub-network which we discussed above, and I am also Chair of the National Council of the Canadian Cybersecurity Alliance (CCA), and other sub-network within the SPF which has since become the largest inter-association cyber initiative in the world today. In terms of the CCA, there are currently more than 100 professional associations with a vested interest or affected by cybersecurity who have come together to provide an unparalleled understanding of the cyber landscape in Canada and internationally.

You are named in the highly prestigious Canadian Who’s Who for 2017 – you made it to the list of outstanding Canadians from business, academia, politics, sports, the arts, and sciences who have made significant contributions to life in Canada. You are a thought leader too, how do you share your vision?

I have had the pleasure of writing articles for various security and defence publications across Canada and the globe. I also like to inspire and honour the security professionals who positively impact the security industry, their organization, colleagues and peers. I achieve this through regular communication across the SPF network, sharing information with my colleagues across the globe on new initiatives, speaking opportunities, call for papers, upcoming award nominations and so forth.

As a result of your vast expertise in security, resilience and other related fields, you are regularly invited to speak at numerous associations and conference across the globe including ASIS, ACAMS, AISA, and GTEC. What are your most memorable experiences as a speaker?

Each time I am given the opportunity to share my passion for security, resilience and defence, I feel truly grateful for the privilege of connecting with the landscape of an industry that evolves fast. To mention just a few, I was a guest lecturer at the National Security College in Canberra, Australia. I was selected to address the Canadian Parliament and the Senate via the Open Caucus initiative where I spoke on the state of cybersecurity in Canada. I was also invited to participate in the Halifax International Security Forum.

Currently, you contribute to a variety of committees, working groups and editorial boards, such as Canadian Standards Association Z1600 (Continuity & Emergency Management), All Ladies League (ALL) – Canada Chairperson for Security & Resilience; and Cybersecurity Journal – Henry Stuart Publications (member of the Editorial Board). What are your plans for this summer?

After The Woman Economic Forum in Birmingham I have been invited to speak at the Economic Club of Canada on June 25th which happens to be the leading speaking platform in Canada, typically reserved for senior politicians and notable dignitaries. I was also invited to write the Editorial Feature for the upcoming special “Women in Cybersecurity” edition of the “Cybersecurity Journal” (Henry Stewart Publications UK); and I will be providing a Book Review for the “Security Journal” the leading peer-reviewed publication in the security field.

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To meet Bonnie and more women of excellence from across the world, join us in June at the Women Economic Forum in Birmingham