Certification Profile: Silvia Fraser, CPP

When Silvia Fraser, CPP, arrived in Canada in 1995 from Romania, she spoke not a single word of English. In anglophonic Toronto, Fraser had no choice but to hit the ground running and do everything she could to learn the language quickly.

In addition to assimilating to the language and culture, Fraser needed to find work. Even with the language barrier, she soon found a passion for the safety and security industry. Fraser was particularly interested in entering law enforcement because of the positive experiences she had interacting with local officers.

“I had been deeply impressed by the kindness and empathy of the police officers who truly lived by their motto to serve and protect, and I admired the way they helped others,” Fraser says.

Fraser decided to enter the private security sector as a way to develop her skills and gain experience, hoping eventually to enter public law enforcement. However, she came to appreciate the vital role security plays in keeping communities safe and decided to fully dedicate herself to a career in private security.

“My journey into the security industry started with a desire to serve others and create a safe environment, and that motivation continues to drive me today,” Fraser says.

As she continued her career in security, Fraser began to attend more community and industry events in her local Toronto area. There, she was introduced to the ASIS Toronto chapter. Shortly after joining ASIS, Fraser decided to pursue the Certified Protection Professional (CPP®) certification.

“The CPP certification was a welcome addition and a valuable resource for further growth in the security profession,” Fraser says.

In addition to the benefits of earning the certification itself, Fraser appreciates how being part of the CPP learning community helped her grow her professional knowledge and network, eventually inspiring her to become a more involved ASIS member and volunteer.

“I initially joined a local CPP learning group that not only led to building meaningful relationships that last to this day but also laid the foundation for specialized learning in our industry,” Fraser says. “My experience at the CPP learning group inspired me to give back by volunteering at the chapter leadership level, supporting others, and contributing to the collective goal of professionalizing the industry.”

Fraser has volunteered in many capacities over the years within the Toronto chapter, from being a committee member to serving as a chapter executive. Additionally, she has also been involved with the ASIS Women in Security community, working on the community’s publications committee to help share the stories and voices of women across the industry.

“I was humbled to be able to amplify the voices of women in the field, championing their achievements and promoting opportunities for professional growth and advancement,” Fraser says. “My volunteer efforts reflect my commitment to driving positive change and creating a more inclusive and equitable industry.”

Fraser has continued to advance her career in the security industry, now working as a director of workplace strategies for the City of Toronto, where she develops and implements key strategic, operational, and transformational initiatives across the city. Fraser highlights the criticality of her background in security for this role, from designing spaces that promote safety for employees and visitors to ensuring that modernized workflows and environments support secure operations.

“My background and understanding of security principles have been invaluable in navigating these complex projects and ensuring that safety remains a top priority,” Fraser says.

My volunteer efforts reflect my commitment to driving positive change and creating a more inclusive and equitable industry.

Over the course of her career, Fraser’s work has been recognized through various awards, including as a Women’s Security Council Women of the Year honoree in 2014 and the Canadian Security Community Leader Award winner in 2019.

Fraser appreciates both the community and professional development opportunities being an ASIS member has provided throughout her career.

“Belonging to ASIS has made a significant difference in my career by allowing me to connect with likeminded professionals, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and expand my understanding of the security industry,” Fraser says.

From her very first role in security to her current position with the City of Toronto, Fraser has always been proud of how her work—and the entire security industry—makes the world a safer place.

“I am proud of my career in security, and I wish to inspire others to see their roles in security as key strategic business enablers and the value we add to organizations,” she says.