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Partnership Success Stories: Homeland Security – Strengthening Private Sector Collaboration and Advancing DEI
In today’s security environment, collaboration between the public and private sectors is critical. Tamara Hutchinson, Director of Private Sector Engagement at the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis, shared insights on how her partnership with The Security Foundation (TSF) has been a vital part of her team’s mission to safeguard critical infrastructure.
A Decade of Partnership and DEI Integration
Tamara’s connection with TSF started nearly a decade ago through her role with the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). Since then, TSF has played a crucial role in supporting DHS’s work, including sponsoring three Corporate Security Symposia (CSS) in Boston, Houston, and Chicago. These conferences brought together senior private sector security executives and government officials to share intelligence and foster collaboration, with a strong emphasis on diverse perspectives and experiences.
Tamara highlights the importance of TSF’s role in promoting DEI: “We make a strong effort to ensure all of our programs and initiatives are composed of some of the most diverse speakers and thoughts/experiences.”
Tangible Results and Broader Impact
The symposia have been met with widespread praise. Tamara explains, “TSF has assisted DHS in pulling hundreds of senior private sector security executives and government officials together to share intelligence and information. Based off the success of these TSF-sponsored events, other private sector companies have offered to host future events.”
These symposia have also included DEI considerations at the forefront, with diverse speakers and perspectives, making them valuable for attendees and helping to improve the security dialogue across the board. Tamara adds, “Collaboration is key to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion not just across the government but society as a whole.”
Encouraging Others to Join TSF
For organizations considering joining The Security Foundation, the benefits are clear. TSF’s support has helped expand DHS’s ability to reach more stakeholders and promote both security and DEI initiatives. By working with TSF, organizations can contribute to a more secure and inclusive future.
Tamara emphasizes the value of TSF’s involvement: “We are extremely grateful for their generosity and support. The ability to expand our outreach to more stakeholders is a direct result of the support provided by TSF.”
Join Us in Strengthening Security and Promoting DEI
The Security Foundation’s commitment to fostering collaboration and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across the security sector is clear. By becoming a member or supporting these initiatives, you can play a vital role in building a more secure and inclusive future. To learn more about membership opportunities or to make a donation toward the continued advancement of DEI initiatives, visit our website today. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the security of our nation and beyond.