Women in Security - Ebony Haywood

Ebony Haywood

Training & Development Director - Allied Universal

Ebony Haywood began her security career with Securadyne, now Allied Universal, in 2010 where she held multiple roles ranging from Operations Coordinator to Director of Professional Services.

As the Director of Training & Development, she developed an enrichment training program for field operations to complete e-learning and obtain certificates and has overseen 50 percent year-to-year growth in the company’s learning management system.

Last year, she was selected as the winner of the “40 under 40” Class by Security Systems News which recognizes up-and-coming professionals from the integrator and end user side of the security business.

“I am truly honored to be recognized as a security leader in this dynamic and fascinating industry and look forward to continuing to train our company’s phenomenal security professionals,” said Ebony.

Ebony entered the security sector after a career as an elementary school teacher and school administrator.

“I was looking for a change, and I was presented with an opportunity to assist with the planning, training and integration of a new system,” said Ebony.  “This opportunity brought me into the world of training, operations, professional services and business services.”

According to Ebony, the security sector is constantly evolving and as we are developing a tech-savvy workforce, we need to continue to offer competitive opportunities and continuous training. “Security is a male-dominated industry, so I’ve had the challenge of ‘finding my space’ and really pushing myself to continue to grow which has presented many opportunities for promotion.” 

For someone thinking of starting a career in the security industry, she advises him or her to be confident, organized and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

“Asking questions does not mean that we don’t understand; it means that we don’t want to make assumptions and that we want to gain clarity,” Ebony said.

Ebony received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Elementary Education from Meredith College and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education & Training from the University of Phoenix. She resides in Raleigh, NC.