SIA RISE is Shaping the Industry Through Community and Intentional Growth

The security industry is experiencing a quiet revolution—one led not by technology alone, but by a new wave of passionate young professionals. As legacy systems give way to modern, cloud-based platforms and mobile-first solutions, the need for fresh perspectives, diverse skill sets, and energized leadership is more pressing than ever. One organization at the forefront of this movement is the SIA RISE Community, which has grown to over 1,200 members and is reshaping how young professionals connect, grow, and lead in the security world.

So how is this new generation making its mark, and what can the industry do to support and accelerate that change?

On this episode of AMAG Asks, host Kyle Gordon, speaks with Jake Brown, the Vice President of Business Development at Secure Access & Digital Systems and Esteban Pastor, the Sr. Product Manager at ZKTeco USA, two active leaders in the SIA RISE Community. Together, they explore how the community is helping young professionals build their careers, navigate a traditionally tight-knit industry, and prepare to take on future leadership roles.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• RISE is more than a network—it’s a launchpad. With mentoring, scholarship programs, and industry events, RISE equips young professionals with the tools and relationships they need to thrive.

• Technology is a major draw for Gen Z and Millennials. From cloud systems to mobile credentials, evolving tech is keeping new talent engaged and excited about long-term careers in security.

• Leadership is shifting. As seasoned professionals make room for fresh voices, RISE is helping shape the next generation of decision-makers in security.

Jake Brown is Vice President of Business Development at Secure Access & Digital Systems, where he focuses on ID card solutions, mobile access, and security technologies. Since entering the security industry in 2018, he has taken an active role in SIA RISE and now serves on its steering committee, driven by a passion for building peer connections and expanding growth opportunities for emerging professionals. His background also includes finance experience at the Javits Center and ongoing volunteer leadership with the Marty Lyons Foundation.

Esteban Pastor is a Senior Product Manager at ZKTeco USA with deep expertise in access control, biometric verification, and security solutions. Over his eight-year tenure, he progressed from technical support to leading global software and hardware development teams, earning industry recognition such as the RISE Scholarship and Denis Hebert Identity Management Scholarship. Known for driving innovation and collaboration, he is also a 2023 Security Systems News “40 Under 40” honoree.