Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within Security Risk Advisors
At Security Risk Advisors (SRA), our commitment to fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is unwavering. We demonstrate this dedication through our robust DEI program, comprised of a steering committee and subgroups that orchestrate events and spearhead initiatives aligned with our mission. This council has developed seven “Community Groups” designed to provide a supportive space where colleagues with shared backgrounds and identities can connect and uplift one another.
As leaders of the Attention Deficit Resource Group (ADRG), we provide a network for colleagues managing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or similar conditions, offering valuable resources and strategies to navigate work-related challenges. We are deeply committed to ensuring that our neurodivergent teammates have access to the tools and support necessary for them to thrive in the workplace. We are grateful for our partnership with Microsoft, which has provided us with numerous platforms to advance this important cause.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within Microsoft
As partners with Microsoft, we align closely with their approach to accessibility. Microsoft stands out for its comprehensive DEI program. Beyond merely offering physical accessibility features across its products, Microsoft’s commitment extends to embedding neurodiversity-friendly functionalities into the core of many of its tools. These features provide organized platforms that facilitate daily tasks for neurodivergent users. We greatly appreciate and benefit from the accessibility functions integrated into Microsoft applications.
Our Favorite Tools
ADHD presents a spectrum of symptoms, and it’s important to recognize that there is no universal solution that works for every individual. However, a common challenge that links many people with ADHD is Executive Dysfunction, which can make tasks like notetaking, task tracking, and collaboration particularly difficult.
In addressing these challenges, we’ve found Microsoft OneNote, Loop, and To-Do to be valuable tools. Their functionalities provide effective support in executing these tasks, offering solutions tailored to the diverse needs of users managing ADHD.
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote offers a versatile platform for interactive notetaking and task management, equipped with various features to streamline productivity. Its user-friendly interface simplifies task management by providing an intuitive toolbar, flexible notebook functionality, and the ability to organize content into subgroups and pages across different notebooks. A valuable aspect of OneNote is its seamless integration with a range of Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Excel, and To-Do, ensuring a cohesive workflow.
We rely on OneNote as our go-to “brain dump” tool, utilizing it for everything from capturing meeting notes to creating task lists throughout the day. Notably, OneNote’s freeform structure accommodates the non-linear thinking patterns often associated with neurodivergence, allowing for fluid organization and brainstorming.
Microsoft Loop
Microsoft Loop has a seamless integration with Microsoft’s suite of tools, including Outlook and Teams, which reduces cognitive load for its users. It also allows for synchronous editing, facilitating collaboration among teams. It also allows for synchronous editing, facilitating collaboration among teams.
Microsoft Loop is helpful in addressing a prevalent challenge in notetaking: the requirement for diverse note formats, including code snippets, drop down headings, etc. Loop consolidates these capabilities into a single, user-friendly platform, streamlining the note-taking process. This organized approach minimizes distractions and enables users to focus on their tasks with clarity.
Microsoft To-Do
Microsoft To-Do offers a user-friendly interface tailored for efficient personal and team task management. Among its notable functionalities are reminders, repetitive task scheduling, shared lists, and due date notifications, all seamlessly integrated into its design.
To-Do’s integration with Outlook streamlines task tracking by allowing flagged emails to be conveniently organized within the app. For those with ADHD who struggle with poor working memory, transitioning across multiple platforms can often lead to task disorganization and forgetfulness. This integration with Outlook empowers users to maintain contextual awareness of their tasks within a single interface, thereby minimizing the risk of distraction or derailment.
Another common struggle faced by many individuals with ADHD lies in the breakdown of complex tasks into manageable subtasks. Microsoft To-Do addressed this challenge by offering an environment where users can easily delineate subtasks under each primary task. Microsoft To-Do stands as a comprehensive solution to optimize both individual and collaborative task management, thereby fostering enhanced productivity and efficiency.
Conclusion
SRA’s partnership with Microsoft enables our neurodivergent teammates to succeed by providing them access to tools that have accessibility built into their design. By using these tools, employees with ADHD can better manage their executive dysfunction and increase personal efficiency. By sharing these resources, we hope to show the value in supporting neurodivergent teammates through tools at the average user’s disposal. We are proud to be employees of SRA, a company that uplifts its neurodivergent teammates, as evidenced by their partnership with Microsoft.
Emma Rearson
Emma Rearson is a Business Analyst on the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team at Security Risk Advisors. Her role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams to budget and forecast, improve processes, and make data driven decisions. Emma excels in preparing and presenting financial reports to senior management, ensuring they reflect the company's strategic objectives.
Emma's journey to SRA began with a degree in Economics from Temple University's Fox School of Business. Initially hired to the Accounting team, she had opportunities to work on joint projects with the FP&A team, which led to a newly developed passion for data analytics. At SRA, Emma has taken on additional responsibilities, such as managing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) events and co-leading the Attention Deficit Resource Group, which has helped to further her leadership skills and commitment to workplace inclusivity.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Emma has diverse interests. She competed in Water Polo and Swimming at the collegiate level, conducted economic research in Japan for a summer, and dedicated time to coaching a swim team for individuals with special needs, showcasing her dedication to mentorship and community engagement.
Bella Merchant
Bella Merchant (she/her) serves as the Recruiting Lead and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator at Security Risk Advisors. With a focus on identifying and attracting top-tier talent from diverse backgrounds, Bella plays a pivotal role in enhancing the company's cybersecurity team. Bella has spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the company's DEI program, prioritizing the development of internal Community Groups. These groups serve as platforms for fostering connectivity and fellowship among employees who share common identities. Notably, Bella co-founded and co-leads the Attention Deficit Resource Group and LGBTQIA+ Community Group, underscoring her commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace environment.
Bella is a magna cum laude graduate of Bryn Mawr College, where she studied Computer Science and Linguistics and completed a wide range of internships. Desiring to combine her love of technology and people, Bella transitioned into technical recruiting after graduation and joined SRA in January 2022. Progressing from Recruiting Coordinator to Recruiting Lead by April 2024, Bella seamlessly integrates her technical education into sourcing top talent in cybersecurity.
Outside of work, many hobbies and interests fill Bella’s time. She is an avid cinephile, watching several hundred films each year that span eleven decades. She also enjoys attending trivia nights, restoring old photographs, and completing the New York Times crossword. Bella has been volunteering with Deaf adults with physical and intellectual disabilities since she was nine years old, and she is passionate about advocating for this underserved group.
Zach Santoro
Zach Santoro is a Senior Consultant on the Blue Advisory team at Security Risk Advisors. His primary focus is on engineering projects, particularly those related to SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and Security Data Pipeline tools.
Zach holds a degree in Computing and Security Technology from Drexel University. His journey at SRA began with a 6-month co-op before transitioning to a full-time role in 2020. Zach thrives on projects that involve solving new problems and developing adaptive solutions for unique challenges.
Outside of work, Zach dedicates his time to teaching technical theater at a local high school. He also enjoys experimenting with various recipes, playing games with friends, and is currently learning how to sew and crochet.