Throughout history, women leaders have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and transformative change across various fields, breaking barriers and reshaping industries. Their leadership has driven organizational success and inspired generations through dedication, strategic acumen, and a commitment to progress. Women leaders continue to challenge norms and pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.
Melanie Sankaran, Chief Information Officer of Aventiv Technologies, exemplifies this empowering leadership in telecommunications today. With over two decades of experience in cybersecurity and technology innovation, Melanie has forged a remarkable path marked by relentless dedication to advancing communication solutions within correctional facilities. Her leadership at Aventiv Technologies has significantly improved the industry and received recognition for its impact on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of correctional communication services and efforts to reduce recidivism.
Two Decades of Cybersecurity Leadership
Melanie brings over 20 years of experience to her role, having begun her career during the late 1990s dot-com era with a Big Four consulting firm. There, she simulated cyberattacks to find vulnerabilities in computer systems and helped clients secure their systems while also teaching a cybersecurity class called “Ultimate Hacking.” Her career advanced at a startup, where she was instrumental in building their professional services practice, leveraging her deep technical knowledge of networks, operating systems, applications, and infrastructure. Seeking to understand the client perspective, she saw the impact that could be made driving change inside companies and transitioned to internal roles within organizations, moving away from consulting.
In various security leadership positions within financial institutions, Melanie safeguarded critical assets. At one credit bureau, she led information security for North America before expanding her role to establish a global application security program, focusing on protecting identities and financial data. After a brief hiatus to focus on her family, she joined another large institution, where she protected 401(k)s and investments. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about roles that significantly impact individuals’ lives.
Joining Aventiv introduced Melanie to a new industry with unique challenges and opportunities. She was drawn to the complexity of creating technology for a highly secure and controlled environment, applying her cybersecurity expertise to protect systems from external threats and internal tampering. At Aventiv, Melanie is deeply invested in the company’s mission to maintain connections between incarcerated individuals and their families, enhance facility safety, and provide meaningful resources such as education and entertainment. This mission-driven approach makes her work at Aventiv both rewarding and impactful.
Melanie is also actively involved in industry events and organizations. She frequently represents Aventiv at conferences while continuing to learn and grow within the field. Her interactions with others in the corrections industry have provided valuable insights and perspectives, enriching her professional journey.
Empowering through Innovation
Aventiv Technologies is an industry-leading modern technology platform dedicated to empowering public safety, access, and rehabilitative justice. The company addresses the growing staffing and resource challenges faced by correctional facilities and the issues associated with high incarceration rates. Aventiv supports these facilities by delivering quality products and services that help many of America’s 1.9 million incarcerated individuals, their families, and their communities access the tools and connections they need to focus on reentry from day one, encouraging better outcomes and reducing recidivism.
Aventiv’s family of brands, including Securus and JPay, provides infrastructure, technology, and devices that build connections and bridge the digital divide. Their products and services offer solutions for public safety officials while giving incarcerated individuals and their families the resources to improve reentry outcomes.
Innovative Correctional Communication
One of the significant challenges Aventiv faces involves the physical layout of correctional institutions, which are often old buildings with thick cement walls. To ensure their technology functions effectively in these environments, the company invests in extensive infrastructure such as fiber optic cables, routers, and wireless access points. Aventiv Technologies differentiates itself by providing contemporary technology tailored for secure use in correctional facilities. This includes ensuring restricted access to the internet so only approved materials are allowed on the tablets. The company offers a closed system that guarantees both security and connectivity, making Aventiv unique in the marketplace.
Future-Focused Innovation
Aventiv is committed to continuous innovation, always looking to expand and improve its services. One of its recent additions is Secure Text Connect, which provides a more immediate and personal form of communication compared to email. As a technology provider, Aventiv Technologies constantly explores the next generation of its offerings, aiming to bridge the technical divide between incarcerated individuals and their friends and family. Under Melanie’s forward-thinking approach, Aventiv ensures that its technology remains relevant and effective, even as it takes time to develop and bring to market.
The company’s strategy involves anticipating future needs and building technology that is appropriate and safe for correctional facilities. Recognizing that incarcerated individuals often lack access to current technology, Aventiv Technologies works to familiarize them with modern tools, facilitating a smoother transition upon reentry into society. Beyond communication tools, Aventiv enhances its services by offering wellness resources, religious information, and educational opportunities. For example, Aventiv partners with various educational institutions to help incarcerated individuals obtain their GED or a four-year degree while serving their sentences.
Leadership and Responsibilities
Celebrating her fifth anniversary with the organization, Melanie initially joined as the Chief Information Security Officer, bringing a strong background in cybersecurity. During her first three years at Aventiv, she built and revamped the company’s cybersecurity program, aligning it with industry best practices. For the past two years, Melanie has taken on the broader responsibility of overseeing all technology-related aspects of the company. This includes managing technology for the company’s associates, back-office systems, and assets.
Melanie’s role extends to the technology provided to facilitate interactions between friends and families of incarcerated individuals, as well as the agencies that use Aventiv’s investigative and communication products. She also oversees the tablets, phones, and other devices supplied to incarcerated individuals within correctional facilities. While she continues to oversee cybersecurity, she was promoted from within and appointed as Chief Information Officer, allowing her to focus on an expanded remit. Melanie’s leadership and expertise have been pivotal in advancing Aventiv’s mission and technological capabilities.
Corporate Social Responsibility
At Aventiv Technologies, strengthening community ties for incarcerated individuals, their families, and employees is a core focus. The company actively supports non-profit programs aimed at reducing recidivism with financial and technical assistance through partnerships with organizations such as Hope Villages of America, BEAR Houston, Exodus Ministries, and Televerde Foundation. Charitable activities include donating backpacks, office supplies, and hygiene bags, and local food distribution efforts. These initiatives demonstrate Aventiv’s commitment to strengthening community ties and supporting vulnerable populations.
Aventiv Technologies also plays a crucial role in providing education, literacy programs, and job training for those impacted by the justice system. These initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to social responsibility and community support, aiming to positively impact individuals during and after their incarceration journey.
Work-Life Balance Reality
Melanie challenges the notion of a perfect work-life balance. She believes this ideal is a myth and often unfairly portrayed. Balancing her professional responsibilities and caring for her son involves prioritizing and managing an ebb and flow rather than striving for perfection.
When her son needs her, whether for a doctor’s appointment or an emergency, he is her top priority. Conversely, her work sometimes requires evening hours or travel. Melanie emphasizes the importance of staying present, maintaining priorities, and acknowledging the stress and guilt many women feel when juggling family and work commitments. She advocates for a realistic approach to balance, focusing on flexibility and mindfulness rather than an unattainable ideal.
“Blink”
Melanie is an avid reader and considers “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell one of her favorite books. She appreciates how the book explores gut feelings, intuition, and decision-making processes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she often listened to Gladwell’s books on Audible while walking her dog. Melanie reflects on “Blink” as a significant influence on her understanding of human decision-making and values Gladwell as one of her favorite authors.
Sources of Inspiration
Melanie considers her sister as a primary source of inspiration and admiration. Her sister, who works in public service, exemplifies perseverance and dedication to helping others. Melanie finds her sister’s professional excellence and unique perspective to be both amazing and inspiring. Throughout Melanie’s journey, her sister’s steadfast commitment and thoughtful approach have been a significant influence, offering guidance and motivation. Melanie feels fortunate to have a strong support system, with her sister standing out as a remarkable role model.
Furthermore, Melanie draws inspiration from leaders who exemplify authenticity. She believes that authentic leadership, characterized by integrity, confidence, and courage, is crucial. Authentic leaders bridge the human element in the workplace, recognizing that employees are not just workers but individuals with unique perspectives and needs.
Melanie values this quality in leaders and feels fortunate to be surrounded by like-minded individuals at Aventiv. The organization’s mission-driven culture and shared commitment to their goals resonate with her, making authenticity an essential aspect of their collective success.
Taped Quotes
Melanie is a self-proclaimed fortune cookie enthusiast and also draws daily inspiration from two specific quotes taped to her laptop. One reads, “Assert yourself, your ideas are worthwhile at this time,” encouraging her to confidently share her thoughts and ideas. The other states, “Compassion will cure more than condemnation,” reminding her of the power of empathy and understanding in leadership.
“Aventiv Technologies differentiates itself by providing contemporary technology tailored for secure use in correctional facilities to support connections between incarcerated individuals and their family and friends while supporting a safe environment.”
