Certification Profile: Ceres Silva, BBA, MBA, APP

Looking back, Ceres Silva, BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), MBA (Master of Business Administration), APP, describes her introduction to the security industry as something of a happy accident. After graduating with a degree in international business administration and a major in marketing, she took an inside sales role with an access control manufacturer—never expecting it would become a career. It didn't take long for the fit to become clear.

For Ceres, who requested to be identified by her first name in this article, the industry offered a rare combination of technology, business strategy, and relationship building, along with a mission she could stand behind: protecting people, assets, and critical infrastructure. That sense of purpose fueled a drive to keep learning, take on new challenges, and deepen both her technical and commercial expertise.

Throughout her journey, ASIS has played a defining role, both professionally and personally. After joining ASIS in 2020, Ceres was quick to take advantage of ASIS resources including conferences, educational sessions, online panels, and industry events, which have kept her sharp on emerging trends and equipped her with knowledge that has directly shaped her leadership approach.

Shortly after joining the association, Ceres pursued her Associate Protection Professional (APP) certification. “For me, certifications are a way of demonstrating a genuine commitment to the security profession and to continuous learning. They show employers, customers, and industry peers that you're willing to invest in expanding your knowledge and developing a deeper understanding of security principles and best practices,” she says. Ceres credits the APP certification with broadening her understanding of risk assessment, security principles, and the security landscape beyond her technical expertise in access control.

Her commitment to professional growth continues as she works toward the Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification. Having recently completed the PSP study group through the ASIS Toronto Chapter, Ceres will take the exam this fall.

“ASIS certifications have positively impacted my career, increasing my confidence and strengthening my credibility with both customers and employers,” she says. 

Beyond professional development, ASIS has given Ceres a sense of belonging and a global network of peers and mentors. “When I entered the industry, there were very few women in security, and one of my biggest challenges was building credibility and proving myself in roles that were traditionally male dominated,” she says. ASIS introduced Ceres to a community of accomplished security professionals and women leaders who showed her what was possible and encouraged her to keep growing as a security professional. “ASIS gave me a sense of belonging and a global network of peers and mentors who continue to inspire and support my growth in the security profession,” she says.

After only one year of membership, Ceres began volunteering with the Women in Security community and has since served as the chair of the ASIS Toronto Women in Security Chapter ever since. Today, she also serves as the ASIS Women in Security Liaison for Canada, supporting collaboration and engagement across chapters nationwide.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of these roles has been witnessing the tremendous growth of women participating in our events and becoming more visible within the security profession,” she says. For Ceres, creating pathways for more women to succeed in the security industry is one of the most rewarding aspects of her volunteer work.

ASIS gave me a sense of belonging and a global network of peers and mentors who continue to inspire and support my growth in the security profession.

Through volunteering and industry engagement, Ceres expanded her visibility beyond Canada, cultivating a global network of security professionals, mentors, and industry leaders. These experiences led to speaking engagements and involvement at major industry events, including GSX and Security LeadHER, and earned her international recognition, including being named a two-time Women in Security Power 100 honoree.

Ceres credits much of this success to the power of networking through ASIS. “The relationships I have developed through volunteering and leadership roles have allowed me to sit at tables with senior security executives and thought leaders that I may have otherwise never had the opportunity or, frankly, the confidence to approach,” she says.

Reflecting on her career today, Ceres acknowledges how her goals have continued to evolve. “When I started my career in the security industry, my goal was to become a regional sales manager, and through continuous learning, technical development, and professional growth, I achieved that goal about 15 years ago,” she says. What began as an unexpected entry into the security profession ultimately opened the door to leadership opportunities she never predicted.  Today, she serves as the head of North America sales operations at IDEMIA, a global leader of biometrics and cryptography.

Reflecting on her professional journey, Ceres underscores the value of setting defined goals, while acknowledging that growth often requires adapting them along the way. Today, she aspires to expand her impact within her organization and the industry as both a leader and a mentor to the next generation of security professionals. That drive fuels her continued investment in education and certification—pursuing her PSP certification and maintaining her APP credential.

“I firmly believe that continuous learning keeps us relevant and prepared for the next opportunity, and I want to ensure that whatever challenge comes next, I am professionally, technically, and personally ready to embrace it with confidence,” she says.

“My advice to anyone entering this profession is to set clear goals, keep learning, keep networking, and never give up on what you want to achieve,” Ceres adds. “Challenges will come and setbacks are inevitable, but if you remain focused and committed to your goals, the rewards and opportunities you gain along the journey will far outweigh the obstacles.”

Lexi Tiffany is a communications manager at ASIS International. She holds a master’s degree in strategic and organizational communication from USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.