Meet the ESA Women in Technology Scholarship 2026 Winners
We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the ESA Women in Technology Scholarship program! After the selection process, 6 exceptional women have been chosen for their outstanding dedication, curiosity, and drive in the electronic security and life safety technology field.
The ESA Certified Alarm Technician CAT Certifications give you a road map for success in your career development by requiring applicants to meet stringent training and work experience requirements. They are earned and continuously maintained to help you develop your skills and knowledge.
The ESA advantage over other certification programs is that our certifications are based on rigorous certification curriculum and field experience requirements to ensure that students meet core skills and knowledge. They validate your abilities to customers, supervisors, peers and potential employers.
Please join us in congratulating the following scholarship winners:
Tiffani St. Cloud, 4S Lock and Safety, Cat 2
“Being a woman in this industry means walking into rooms where people don’t always expect to see someone who looks like me — and then showing them what excellence looks like.What I love is that this industry rewards competence, problem-solving, and grit – qualities that aren’t gendered. I’ve been fortunate that the men I’ve encountered in this field have been overwhelmingly welcoming, generous with their knowledge, and genuinely supportive.”
Shantonia Bullard, Ted’s Alarm and Lock Company, CAT 1
“I focus on attention to detail, clear communication, and strong customer relationships, which set me apart in a technical field. It also means holding my ground, continuing to learn, and proving through my work that I belong here. Every time I show up prepared and professional, I’m helping shift expectations and open doors for other women entering this industry.”
Sydney Thomas, Broward County Parks and Rec, CAT 1
“I want to make a major change in the world for the women in stem who feel excluded. I am a firm believer in a woman can do just as much as any man can. I believe with dedication, passion, discipline, and taking the first step forward, it is the first step of making a impact for all women around to pursue their dreams in the tech field.”
Jen Banks, LPS, CAT 2
“There is nothing more satisfying than completing the job and proving I am not a female technician, but rather just a technician. It sounds simple but there’s nothing simple about “fighting an uphill battle” along with the job itself.”
Rachel Delgado, Littleton Public Schools Dist. 6, CAT 2
“Being a woman in a male-dominated industry often means learning to take up space where it wasn’t originally designed for you. It means showing up with confidence, even when you’re the only woman in the room. It means your voice sometimes has to be a little louder, your preparation a little sharper, and your resilience a little stronger. But it also means bringing something powerful to the table—a different perspective, a different leadership style, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.”
Iona Estridge, CAT 1
“My career has forged forward despite having to overcome the obstacle of gender. The world and times have changed dramatically from the stereotypical male/female roles in the workplace. I am always the person who says that if you are able both physically and technically to perform the duties of the position it should not matter your gender. We are here to do a job for our employer. If a co-worker has pride in what they are doing and can see the same in a co-worker it should not matter the gender.”
