Segura leverages the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance (ISAGCA) as a collaborative forum to advance cybersecurity awareness, education, readiness and knowledge sharing. As a member company, we can identify and prioritize initiatives, work to promote adoption of and compliance with global standards such as the ISA/IEC 62443 series, and contribute to workforce education and certification programs.
ISA is currently shaping the Automation & Cybersecurity Landscape in Nigeria & Africa as a whole.
ISA Contribution to the growth of Technology and standards in Africa is the new big deal.
I was the Nigeria Section President of the International Society of Automation, till December 2024.
With the awesome member benefits in career growth, standards, professional development & networking, Trending Technology Webinars there by leading the way on awareness of new Automation & Cybersecutity Solutions, the Membership achieved over 70% growth and currently the biggest section in Africa.
Aside from ISA displaying top credibility & integrity, they also promote diversification, by creating avenue for neutral and free contribution of members for leadership positions. I was also became (by voting) the First African to lead Europe, Middle East & Africa District as Chair-Elect 2025 & Chair 2026). This is inclusion at the highest level.
With the help of ISA, we have been able to drive awareness to Universities to ensure grassroot developments and close the huge gaps between academia & industries.
My experience with ISA has been awesome and cant imagine leaving a day without ISA.
It is a great pleasure to work alongside the dedicated volunteers of ISA Taiwan Section to promote the ISA/IEC 62443 standard in Taiwan. Coupled with the latest white papers, workshops, and webinars from ISA headquarters, this allows the newest knowledge in the OT and automation industries to be rapidly disseminated to professionals in the field.
Being a volunteer at ISA allows me to plan meetup events with fellow volunteers and members from various locations. This not only helps me gain relevant knowledge but also enhances my soft skills. I hope to continue contributing my efforts to the Taiwan Section, enabling the concepts of OT cybersecurity to deeply penetrate the Taiwanese market.
Where do I spend my volunteering time and where do I place my donations? Industry and technology may not be the first to come to mind. But to me, industry and technology, especially automation, is so powerful. It’s the basis of many of the achievements of humanity towards reduced poverty and hunger, greater health, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, safer work, reduced consumption, and to protect life below water and on land – and which in turn indirectly has further impact. ISA accelerates industrial automation through standards and knowledge sharing accelerating the larger society development. ISA is a force multiplier. Personally, I have benefitted since 1993 from reading the books and standards they publish and attend the conferences and exhibitions. ISA also enables me to pay back to the community by publishing books and standards, and to present and exhibit. Over the years I have seen many great engineers work hard on automation for good, encouraged by the awards and recognitions also given by ISA.
For over two decades, my membership with the International Society of Automation (ISA) has been a cornerstone of my professional and personal growth in the ever-evolving fields of instrumentation, automation, safety, and industrial cybersecurity. Joining ISA more than 20 years ago marked the beginning of a transformative journey, one that provided me with not only technical knowledge but also a sense of community and purpose within a globally respected non-profit organization. As a young professional eager to establish myself in the industry, I found ISA’s resources—its training programs, certifications, and networking opportunities—to be invaluable stepping stones that shaped my career trajectory.
Through ISA, I gained a deep understanding of instrumentation and automation, disciplines that were rapidly advancing as industries embraced new technologies. The society’s commitment to education empowered me to stay ahead of the curve, mastering complex systems and processes that became the backbone of my expertise. Whether it was through attending technical conferences, participating in workshops, or earning certifications, ISA offered me the tools to refine my skills and adapt to the demands of an increasingly automated world. These experiences not only bolstered my confidence but also opened doors to leadership roles where I could apply my knowledge to real-world challenges.
As my career progressed, so did my appreciation for ISA’s focus on safety and industrial cybersecurity—areas that have grown critical in today’s interconnected landscape. The society’s forward-thinking approach equipped me with the insights needed to design and implement systems that prioritize both operational efficiency and protection against emerging threats. I vividly recall the moment when a training session on functional safety standards fundamentally shifted my perspective, enabling me to contribute to projects that safeguarded both people and infrastructure. This emphasis on continuous learning has kept me relevant and effective in an industry where stagnation is not an option.
Looking back, my 20-year journey with ISA has been one of growth, resilience, and gratitude. The society has not only been an educational resource but a guiding force that has connected me with like-minded professionals who share a passion for advancing our field. As I present my story to the review board, I hope to convey the profound impact ISA has had on my career—transforming me from an eager learner into a seasoned expert committed to excellence. My long-standing involvement reflects my belief in ISA’s mission, and I look forward to contributing to its legacy while continuing to evolve alongside this remarkable organization.
Marco (Marc) Ayala
As an industrial cybersecurity professional from Asia, my journey with the International Society of Automation (ISA) since joining in 2019 has been truly transformative. ISA's diverse and global community provided me with invaluable opportunities for both professional and personal growth.
Through ISA, I gained extensive knowledge about global automation standards, cybersecurity best practices, and the importance of international collaboration.
Encouraged by ISA sections and experienced members, I established the new ISA Taiwan Section in 2023. Since its inception, we have received tremendous support, allowing it to become a vibrant hub where automation professionals in Taiwan share knowledge and drive the industry forward.
My active participation in the ISA99 Standards Committee has allowed me to engage deeply with global experts and industry leaders. As an ISA-recognized instructor, I’ve had the rewarding opportunity to teach, supported by ISA's excellent materials and community.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue supporting ISA’s mission, growing the ISA Taiwan Section, and fostering even stronger collaboration across the global automation ecosystem.
My journey with ISA began in 1977 when I joined the ISA St. Louis Section (one of the original instrumentation societies that formed ISA in 1945) at the recommendation of a fellow coworker. The Section had more than 700 members with many of them coming from Monsanto Company World HQ and the three production plants in the area as well as the Shell Oil and Amoco refineries. I found Section meetings to be very welcoming, the user companies very engaged, and the vendor community consisting of first and second generation business owners dedicated to excellent service. Pneumatic instrumentation was still predominant with the electronic age gaining a lot of momentum. Meetings had a very upbeat vibe and I made many friends. I held most of the Section elected board positions and was nominated for District VP. Our District had 14 Sections from Salt Lake City to Paducah, KY. I won the election and was tasked, like all DVPs, to travel to all of them and speak at their meetings at least once over the two-year term. I found the Society level activity to be the same upbeat vibe and I was so very impressed with so many experts in the field I had only read about in the ISA magazine Intech (formerly Instrumentation Technology). I later went on to several other Executive Board positions including Society President in 2007. I share this journey to point out that over the 48 years since I joined, times changed, technologies changed, communications have changed, the US economy changed, and through all that, our goal to become an international society dedicated to automation as a profession has come to pass. Like all organizations, ISA fortunes have ebbed and flowed, but I find they have adapted well and met the challenges to fill the tent that is automation. The current staff has done an excellent job keeping the managing the mission, keeping the financial house in order, and improving membership despite all the competing challenges of work, family, and living in these times. I’m proud to be a Life Fellow of ISA.
I was first introduced to ISA through my local section in Columbus, Ohio. A small group was trying to grow the section and start holding regular events for members. I volunteered on the section board for several years before taking on the role of President. Volunteering in these roles helped me to meet many people in the automation industry and students at local universities. I was able to grow my soft skills and gain valuable leadership experience.
I have since taken on larger roles withing the society as a District Chair and now a Society Board Member. ISA provides great training and technical content for it's members. I have met so many great people across the world that share a passion for automation. Without ISA, I would not have had the opportunity to grow so much in my career.
I was truly amazed by the work of the International Society of Automation over the last number of years within the automation community. When I started to volunteer 4 years ago, I saw firsthand how they provide not only great technical content but, develop some fantastic leaders within automation.
Two of my favourite programs developed by ISA are; 1) The ISA mentoring program which is available for professional members and 2) the student scholarship program where students across the globe can apply for a scholarships.
I would like recognise all the staff, current & past presidents, volunteers and contributors for their incredible dedication as well as going above and beyond to support current members.
Overall, I highly recommend supporting ISA. They’re making a real difference in the automation community and it’s really inspiring to be part of the journey!
I joined ISA in 2008. I had been a volunteer member in other professional associations, but what made me want to join ISA was the feeling that my involvement could make a difference. I have no interest in being a member of a committee that just talks. I want to do things.
Throughout my time with ISA, I have had the opportunity to contribute to the profession in so many ways, including books, articles, standards, conferences, and training.
To feel that I am personally contributing ISA’s vision is extremely fulfilling. I believe that we can make the world a better place through automation but to do so we must have a strong community that works together.
My professional network has grown exponentially since joining ISA. That network includes mentors whose guidance has been invaluable as well as staff and members who have become trusted colleagues and, most importantly, lifelong friends.
Having a trusted resource like ISA is essential in a world where it can be hard to trust the information that is available online. I know that if I have a particular technical question I can read any ISA standard or I can post a question on our Connect online community. I can also call one of my ISA colleagues knowing that if they don’t know the answer, they will find someone who does. That is what makes ISA so important to me.
I started participating in ISA at my local section in 2016. I quickly was able to immerse myself in volunteer opportunities and was able to represent my section in 2017 at our Annual Leadership Conference as a Delegate. From there, the opportunities to volunteer in leadership roles and through committees only grew, and I saw how international this organization really was! The soft skills and professional skills I was able to practice and grow has been instrumental to my personal growth in my professional career.
With all of that, the networking and friendships I've made along the way has been rewarding and a pleasant side effect of becoming more involved in ISA and automation community!
I'm looking forward to continuing my service to ISA through serving on the Executive Board, working on the strategy and vision to help create a better world through automation!
I've had a wonderful experience as a member (since 2018) and volunteer (since 2020) with ISA. In the first few years of my career, ISA was instrumental to my growth and advancement as a young engineer. It gave me access to industry standards, training, and credentials that expanded my skillset and credibility with my team. It also helped me build a network of automation industry colleagues and mentors, first in my local area (Cleveland, OH), and later internationally. It was particularly inspiring and sustaining to me that many of these connections were with women and young professionals, during a time when I was often the only young woman in my work environment. As I became involved in volunteer positions of increasing responsibility, ISA gave me countless opportunities to practice soft skills and grow my leadership abilities. This enabled me to advance and pivot in my career.
There are many stories like mine, and countless automation professionals who have benefited over the years from ISA's industry standards leadership, training, events, incredible global network, and dedicated staff. This in turn helps to grow and advance our profession, empowering us all to build ISA's vision of a better world through automation.
My first experiences with ISA began early in my career when I was able to attend local Section meetings and began to see how business meetings and technical presentations were conducted - some better than others! Several years later I changed jobs and as I began with my new company my manager asked about my willingness to join and volunteer with the Section.
With his support and guidance I was able to develop new friendships, learn how to run meetings, and grow my comfort and confidence leading and presenting in front of groups. As I became more involved and began strengthening relationships outside of my local Section I had opportunities to begin volunteering at a Society level. This brought a drastic shift to my paradigm for the Society and our automation community.
As I have continued to volunteer and serve in various leadership capacities, ISA provides so many opportunities to challenge my thinking, experience, and abilities while driving me to be better, stronger, more confident, and more aware of my own biases. It is an honor to be developing relationships with fellow automation community members around the globe, learning about their experiences, gaining deeper understandings of our industry, and working together to think and act strategically for the best interest of our Society, automation community, and our world.
I have been a volunteer with ISA for the past 10 years. I first joined as a member right after I graduated college. I had just started my professional career. I was hired as an entry level instrumentation and controls engineer with just a chemical engineering degree background. I was encouraged to get involved with ISA as they would help equip me with skills needed to be successful at work. It was the best career advice anyone had given me.
After one year of just being an active member, I was asked to volunteer with ISA. I jumped right in. ISA is a welcoming and inclusive group that I wanted to be part of. The people I have met while volunteering with ISA are the best-of-the-best. They truly have a passion for the automation industry and care about the society. My volunteer experience over the years has exceeded my expectations. I learn something new with every role I volunteer with. I meet new people with every role. I feel challenged in every role to think outside the box. I have learned numerous skills like strategic planning, business financials, change management, soft skills, and more all through my volunteer experience within ISA.
Volunteering with ISA has helped me grow my skills exponentially and those skills have helped me grow in my career to now be in a job that I love. I am forever thankful for ISA and the volunteer opportunities they provide; I will continue to volunteer with them for as long as I can.
Becoming actively involved with ISA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Though I've been a member for many years, it wasn't until 2019, when I saw the launch of the Smart Manufacturing & IIoT Division, that I truly dove in. Joining this new division and engaging with the incredible community felt like a natural step. Within two years, I had the honor of becoming the division leader and growing our membership to around 4,000. The wealth of information, unparalleled networking opportunities, and the chance to genuinely impact our industry have fueled my passion for ISA. Recently, I joined the executive board in 2024 to help shape our long-term strategy. I'm excited to continue working with such a dedicated group of professionals as we strive to make the world a better place through automation!
I have been involved in ISA since 1998 starting with ISA Spain section. If you are in the automation field, this is the place to be.
Serving as a volunteer has been extremely useful to be updated on latest technologies, meet colleagues and learn from other experiences and points of view.
Leading groups in a non profit is an excellent way to learn leadership skills because it is more difficult than leader's role in regular companies.
ISA is a leading professional association and offers standards, trainings, events and content in the industrial automation space. We are a community of around 15,000 professionals worldwide and we all are connected by a common vision of 'Creating a better world through automation'!
I joined ISA in 2013 as a member of Pune Section. Soon I was involved in various section activities and then onto leadership roles. My journey from being Pune Section President to Executive Board Member has been amazing.
At section level, it was about organizing technical presentations and conferences, mentoring students and young professionals, connecting with fellow members, learning from experts and having networking and fun once in a while. You get a sense of belonging! For any query, be it technical or finding a product or finding employees or information of new technologies; there is always someone to provide answers. I have seen so many professional collaborations developed amongst the members over the years across geographies. This is very valuable.
The sphere of activities and connects expanded as I got involved in the Asia Pacific District and society levels. Starting Smart Manufacturing and IIoT Division was another fantastic experience. Providing a platform for thousands of professionals in this space was truly satisfying.
As part of Executive Board member from 2023, I got a chance to work alongside experienced leaders and staff in shaping policies, strategy and direction of ISA. There is so much to learn from all these people and so much to achive for the organization. It is rewarding to be part of such a vibrant organization.
My involvement within ISA has been a transformative journey, commencing in 2009 when I assumed the role of Vice President within the ISA Montreal local section. Over a span of three years, I diligently contributed to the section's strategic initiatives, laying the groundwork for my subsequent appointment as President for an additional three years. This experience equipped me with an in-depth understanding of local dynamics, governance, and effective leadership within the ISA framework.
Building on this foundation, I took on the challenge of serving as District 13 Vice President, broadening my scope to address larger-scale organizational dynamics. This role enhanced my strategic thinking and honed my ability to navigate complexities at a district level. Currently, as I approach the completion of my third year on the executive board, I have further refined my leadership skills, gaining insights into overarching organizational governance, resource allocation, and high-level decision-making.
My multifaceted journey within ISA, from local leadership to district-level responsibilities and now at the executive board, has been instrumental in my skill developpement and carrer.
Thank You ISA !
I've been with ISA since 2009, and it’s been a game-changer. As an automation professional, ISA’s standards, certifications, and training have been crucial for my career. Their conferences and networking events are fantastic for learning and connecting with others in the field. Volunteering and leading, especially as President in 2022, showed me how much automation relies on passionate people. ISA helps create a better, safer, more secure, and sustainable world through automation. If you’re in this field, ISA is the place to be!
I am working in the Automation field since 1988 and worked till 2006 for Control & Instrumentation (C&I) Packages for Power plant. From 2006 onwards joined other organization & got an opportunity for lead Automation & Digitalization for Fertilizer, PVC, Calcium Carbide, Chlor Alkali, Cement, Power Plant etc. at DCM Shriram Limited. I am involved with ISA since 2010 & later joined Delhi section/ India. Became ExBoard Member in July 2022. It has exciting journey since then. Great interaction with Technology Suppliers & Leaders of End Users. It has given me to learn & unlearn many things as part of Leadership opportunities as ExBoard Member. Our meetings are also a knowledge sharing platform. Exhibitions, Automation Leadership Conference (ALC) add to the knowledge to learn new technologies. Position papers of ISA give great insights in the technologies. Recognition of good work by Sections, Divisions & individuals is a unique feature of this organization.
Members have respect for each others which is very important for such a great Organization. Looking at this, my colleagues also got inspired & joined ISA. Overall I am enjoying my membership & would recommend Automation Professionals to join this.
ISA has been an important part of my life when I first out of college, and later as an opportunity to network and take a leadership role within both ISA and my own company. The story I will share is that someone invited me to to be a part of ISA Houston Section, and at the Section level, I have seen the organization provide leadership, automation training, networking in automation and opportunities to assist and mentor new automation professionals. Since someone asked me, I now ask others to come to an ISA Board meeting and be a part of an organization like ISA. Most recently, I met the OSU Student Section in OK City, and invited them to learn more about gas and liquid measurement