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.”
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.”
Sydney Thomas, Broward County Parks and Rec, CAT 1
“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 an 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.”
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 to perform the duties of the position it should not matter your gender. “
Investing in the Industry’s Future
As the industry continues to evolve, the need for skilled, confident, and well-trained professionals has never been greater. Programs like the ESA Women in Technology Scholarship not only support individual career advancement, but also strengthen the industry as a whole by expanding access, creating new pathways, and building a more resilient workforce.
These recipients represent the next generation of talent shaping the future of electronic security and life safety, and their impact is just beginning.
