Award-Winning Actress and Accomplished Director Yvette Freeman Joins Resilient Features "The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary" as Director
Press Release: December 9, 2024
Resilient Features proudly announces that Emmy-winning actress and seasoned director Yvette Freeman has signed on as Director for the highly anticipated The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary. Known for her stellar career both in front of and behind the camera, Freeman’s wealth of experience will elevate this groundbreaking exploration of women’s roles and achievements in the security industry.
Freeman gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Nurse Haleh Adams in the iconic series ER, a role that earned her an Emmy Award. Beyond her acting success, Freeman has built an impressive resume as a director, working across film, television, and stage productions. Her directorial credits include celebrated works in theater, such as acclaimed Off-Broadway productions, and projects focused on socially impactful narratives. Freeman’s background in tackling diverse, empowering stories makes her uniquely suited to bring The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary to life.
“I am honored to be part of this meaningful project,” said Freeman. “The women in security are pioneers in an industry often overlooked, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase their incredible resilience, leadership, and contributions.”
The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary, Executive Produced by Richard Ticho , will shine a spotlight on the vital yet underrepresented roles of women in the global security industry. From their groundbreaking achievements to the challenges they face, the film will serve as a tribute to their courage, innovation, and impact.
“Yvette’s extraordinary career and ability to tell authentic, powerful stories align perfectly with our vision for this documentary,” said Ticho. “Her passion and expertise will ensure these women’s stories are told with the depth and respect they deserve.”
Currently in production, The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary is slated for release in 2025.
For media inquiries and sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Richard Ticho, Executive Producer of The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary
The WOMEN in The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary are…
We have filmed 29 interviews at five locations, four keynote presentations, three panel discussions, three podcasts that will make up the core of our film.
Meet the Stars of "The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary"
Resilient Features is thrilled to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women whose stories form the heart of "The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary." Through 29 interviews, four keynote presentations, three panel discussions, and three podcasts, these leaders are redefining the boundaries of the security industry.
Here are the stars of our film…
Marene Allison
Retired CISO of Johnson & Johnson, Cyber Advisor, Strategic Business Advisor, President West Point Women
LinkedIn Profile
Marene Allison is a visionary leader who served as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Johnson & Johnson, where she led global initiatives to safeguard sensitive information and bolster resilience across the organization. With decades of experience in cybersecurity, Marene has become a sought-after advisor for businesses seeking strategic guidance on cyber challenges. She currently serves as the President of West Point Women, inspiring and empowering women leaders from diverse sectors. Marene’s legacy of mentorship and advocacy continues to shape the future of cybersecurity.
Nicole Buratovich
Sr. Manager, Program Management | Culture & Wellness, Amazon
LinkedIn Profile
Nicole champions mental health and resilience at Amazon’s Global Security Operations Center. With a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, her work bridges security expertise and emotionally intelligent leadership. Before Amazon, Nicole raised millions for regional economic development at GPEC and fostered global partnerships with Make-A-Wish® International.
Stacey Champagne
Founder & CEO, Hacker in Heels
LinkedIn Profile
Stacey empowers women in cybersecurity to achieve career growth through her platform, Hacker in Heels. A recognized leader, she combines a decade of experience in cybersecurity with coaching and advocacy to amplify women’s impact in the field.
Dr. Stephanie Carter
Principal, Compliance Advisory
LinkedIn Profile
A U.S. Army veteran, Dr. Carter brings 30+ years in security and compliance. Currently with Coalfire Systems, she also teaches in the Cybersecurity Master’s program at the University of Maryland. Her academic achievements include a Doctorate in Computer Science and multiple certifications.
Andrea Chedas
Head of Corporate Security, Wealthsimple
LinkedIn Profile
Andrea’s two decades of expertise span law enforcement and corporate security. As Head of Corporate Security at Wealthsimple, she leads insider threat management and crisis response initiatives. Andrea also founded Black Widow Guardian, offering tailored security solutions.
Lynn Dohm
Executive Director, WiCyS
LinkedIn Profile
Lynn’s leadership at Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) advances diversity and workforce development. She’s received numerous awards, including Future Con’s Award of Excellence 2024, and is an acclaimed keynote speaker and author.
Dr. Linda Florence, CPP
Founder, The Florence Group LLC
Dr. Florence’s career spans 30+ years in security operations, consulting, and academia. An expert in workplace violence prevention, she’s received numerous honors, including the Karen Marquez Award.
Aarti Gadhia
Enterprise Account Executive, Sysdig
LinkedIn Profile
Aarti is a changemaker in cybersecurity, named one of Canada’s Top 20 Women in Cyber Security. She founded Standout To Lead and SHE (Sharing Her Empowerment), championing leadership and diversity in STEM.
Karen Gispanski
Senior Director of Enterprise Cyber Security, Millennium Healthcare
LinkedIn Profile
Karen oversees cybersecurity governance and operations at Millennium Healthcare, leveraging 25+ years of experience. Her career includes strategic leadership roles across healthcare, finance, and manufacturing industries.
Tia Hopkins
Chief Cyber Resilience Officer & Field CTO, eSentire
LinkedIn Profile
Tia is a cybersecurity leader, adjunct professor, and author. Her accolades include SC Media’s Outstanding Educator Award and AmeriCorps’ Lifetime Achievement Award. She founded Empow(H)er Cybersecurity, empowering women of color in the industry.
Dr. Valerie Lyons
Chief Operations Officer, BH Consulting
LinkedIn Profile
Dr. Valerie Lyons brings an exceptional combination of academic and professional expertise to her role as Chief Operations Officer at BH Consulting. A recognized leader in privacy and security, she excels at designing robust strategies to meet modern security challenges. Valerie’s contributions to the industry include numerous speaking engagements, publications, and initiatives that advance data protection and privacy standards globally. Her dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation sets her apart as a trailblazer in the security sector.
Melissa Mack
Director, Pinkerton
LinkedIn Profile
With 25 years in security, Melissa specializes in risk mitigation and professional development. A certified résumé writer and interview coach, she’s an advocate for women in security and a leader at Pinkerton.
Constance Matthews Reynolds
Founder & CEO, ReynCon
LinkedIn Profile
Connie leads ReynCon, focusing on InfoSec training and development. Recognized as a trailblazer in cybersecurity, she serves on several industry boards and fosters education and awareness in the field.
Paula Mendes
Associate Director, Pinkerton
LinkedIn Profile
Paula Mendes is a dedicated professional in security and risk management. As an Associate Director at Pinkerton, Paula’s expertise lies in creating and implementing solutions that protect assets and mitigate risks. Her collaborative approach and focus on strategic outcomes make her a key figure in driving security excellence across the industry.
Bonnie Michelman
Vice President/Chief Security Officer, Mass general Brigham
LinkedIn Profile
Bonnie Michelman’s extensive leadership and security management experience crosses diverse industries and national boundaries. She is Vice President/Chief Security Officer of Mass General Brigham, parent organization for 15 hospitals (including founding member Massachusetts General Hospital) and hundreds of healthcare satellite sites. Her broader accomplishments include nomination by Janet Napolitano to the Homeland Security Advisory Council where she served for six years. Bonnie’s professional contributions also include Instructor at Northeastern University’s College of Criminal Justice in the graduate program as well as consulting and lecturing in healthcare security, workplace and domestic violence, hate crimes, and risk assessment and management, among other topics. A published author in professional journals on safety, security, leadership and management, Bonnie is also an Executive Coach and performs Management Engineering, Strategic Planning, and ESRM assessments. She has been President of IAHSS, ASIS-International and ISMA, the triple crown. She has served as expert witness in inadequate and negligent security litigation and consultant. Bonnie has received numerous national and international leadership distinctions and awards. She holds an MBA, an MS in Criminal Justice, a BA in Government and Sociology and holds CPP and CHPA certifications.
Niamh Vianney Muldoon
EMEA CISO & Innovation Lead, BNY
LinkedIn Profile
Niamh is a globally recognized leader in cybersecurity innovation. A Guinness World Record Holder for Cybersecurity Awareness, she’s an advocate for security enablement and transformation.
Sarah Stone
Associate Director, Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations
LinkedIn Profile
Sarah Stone brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as Associate Director at Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations. With a strong focus on strategic investigations and client security solutions, Sarah is dedicated to driving innovative and effective approaches to risk management. Her expertise and collaborative style have made her a trusted advisor within the security industry.
Danielle Weddepohl
Canadian Chapter Young Professional Liaison, The Institute of Strategic Risk Management
LinkedIn Profile
Danielle Weddepohl is a security and investigations leader skilled in directing incident response and safeguarding people, information and assets. Experience includes: physical security management, program auditing, data and intelligence analysis, risk and comprehensive threat assessment, emergency response, case management, policy development, project management, cultivating change, relationship building, facilitating seminars and spreading positivity.
Angela White
Past President, Electronic Security Association
LinkedIn Profile
Angela is a transformative leader in the electronic security industry, serving as President of the Electronic Security Association. Her career spans 40 years, focusing on innovation and breaking barriers.
These inspiring women are not just experts but trailblazers, mentors, and changemakers who embody resilience and empowerment in security. We are honored to share their journeys with the world.
SUPPORT “The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary” TODAY!
The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary, its related social media and website are made possible by the efforts of Resilient Features, it’s team members, service providers and the participation of over 200 security professionals from around the globe, direct donations via our social media along with the production support and sponsorships from a variety of companies and organizations including SEAS Productions, Finest City Entertainment, Massachusetts General Hospital, ESA - Electronic Security Association, ASIS International, Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), PINKERTON | Comprehensive Risk Management and Amazon.
A very big THANK YOU from Resilient Features and The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary to Joy Beland, Michael Gips, Karen Gispanski, Bradley Hughes, Caliph Mathis, Thomas McAndrew, Susan Melnicove, Bonnie Michelman, Lisa Oliveri, Eddie Reynolds, Matthew Solomon, Julia Warwick, Rachel Wyatt and Qiang Zhang for their donations to support our production!
Please contribute, and help motivate sponsorships, so we can make this production happen.
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https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=M2Y6PUZBCWXVU
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Interested Sponsors please coordinate with us at contact@womeninsecuritydocumentary.com today.
OUR STORY: When Bonnie Michelman took her first post-graduate job at a New England technology provider, she never envisioned her future impact as one of the first women in security. Nor could she imagine the crucial role she’d play in responses to terrorist attacks and a global pandemic. Neither did Victoria Ekhomu, a half world away in Africa, understand the key role she’d play as an entrepreneur and industry leader — the latter a role that even her closest relationship tried to sabotage. Security is dangerous work, but even Ekhomu never anticipated being kidnapped during her storied career.
Both Michelman and Ekhomu are early trailblazers now determined to broaden the path for other promising young professionals in what remains one of the most male-dominated industries around the world.
The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary documents these talented and tenacious women’s rise to influence, and the impact they and other female pioneers still make on both physical and cybersecurity.
The threat landscape keeps growing, yet the security workforce struggles to recruit and retain enough talent to keep criminals at bay. This documentary tackles why this is, what’s needed now, and what happens when a more diverse workforce pools experiences and expertise to create a safer world for all of us.
Resilient Features’ The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary will inspire future career-seekers to join a field far more welcoming than when Michelman and Ekhomu entered it, but still rife with hardship and harassment. We’ll celebrate the strides made, while recognizing the struggles that still exist, by the supporters of a movement finally gaining much-needed momentum.
Women at GSX speak out in support of “The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary”!