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The security industry has long been seen as a male-dominated field, but women are proving every day that they belong here, and they’re thriving. At XA Security, we’re proud to have strong, skilled, and driven women on our team who bring professionalism, leadership, and resilience to every shift.
To celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women's Day, we sat down with Stephanie Holden, Event Security Supervisor at XA Security, to discuss her journey in the industry, her experiences as a woman in security, and how the industry is evolving to support women in leadership roles.
Stephanie’s journey in security began nearly 16 years ago, while she was studying Investigations and Security Management at MacEwan University. Like many, she started looking for extra income while in school.
“I was working at Second Cup when I came across a posting for XA Security. I applied, got hired by Darren, and worked my first show, Gavin Rossdale and Suzie McNeil at Edmonton Event Centre. I was hooked from that moment on.”
What started as a stepping stone quickly became a passion. From seeing her in the moment at some of Alberta’s biggest events, it’s clear: Stephanie thrives in the fast-paced, unpredictable nature of event security, where every shift is different. Whether it’s helping guests have a memorable experience or stepping in when things take a turn, she thrives in the energy and purpose the security industry brings (and she loves it too).
Security isn’t just about standing at a post. It’s about adapting, problem-solving, and making an impact. One of Stephanie’s favourite guard life memories comes from her time working Big Valley Jamboree.
“For years, BVJ was a highlight of my summers. Long hours, meeting new people, and working alongside the XA team. We did everything from access control and bag checks to handling intoxicated guests and unexpected incidents.
One moment that stands out? A group of guests decided to run across the tops of porta-potties, that is until one of them broke a leg and needed a makeshift wheelchair for the weekend. Then there was the year a massive storm hit, and we had to clear the entire site and secure access points. You never know what a shift will bring, and that’s part of what makes this job exciting.”
When Stephanie started in 2009, women in security were rare, and the gender gap was noticeable.
“I was constantly underestimated. One of my favourite positions to work is barricade security at concerts, especially at high-energy shows with crowd surfers. There’s always someone who assumes, ‘What can a girl do?’
I love proving people wrong. I hold my own in the barricade just like the guys do, and I take pride in showing that strength isn’t just about size — it’s about skill, confidence, and the right training.”
Over the years, Stephanie has seen the landscape shift. More women are stepping into security roles, leadership positions, and specialized training, creating a more inclusive industry.
The industry has come a long way, but there’s still room to grow. Stephanie sees the most progress in:
At XA Security, we’re all about creating real opportunities for women in the industry. That means accessible training, finding the right fit for every team member, and strong mentorship to help women grow and lead.
Stephanie credits her success to mentors who believed in her and pushed her to grow.
“Darren from XA gave me my first job and helped open doors for me. My manager at Rogers Place, Jyoti, is someone I really admire. She’s one of the best in the business. Having strong role models makes a difference.”
Leaders like Darren have been key in supporting team members like Stephanie, opening doors and connecting them with managers at top venues and events to build experience. With the right guidance, skill-building, and support, more women are stepping into security and thriving.
Stephanie has had plenty of proud moments throughout her career as a security professional and been a part of so many major moments for Albertan event go-ers. Her stories are truly some of the best, but here are just a few from the highlight reel:
As more women step into security roles, the industry is becoming more inclusive, more skilled, and more representative of the world we live in.
Stephanie’s advice to women considering security? Go for it.
“You will be underestimated. Use it as motivation. Security is about mindset, problem-solving, and confidence, not just brute strength. With the right training and attitude, you can thrive in this industry.”
We’re so proud to support and uplift the strong, skilled women on our team. Their dedication and expertise make our industry better every day.
Interested in joining the team? Learn more at xasecurity.ca.
