Lead-future is for women !

Survival Armor, Inc. is a prominent producer of soft ballistic, bullet-resistant body armor tailored for police, military personnel, and first responders, including specialized armor for K9 officers. The company prides itself on creating innovative ballistic packages and patented technologies that improve the comfort, wearability, and visibility of their body armor. They emphasize that a vest's effectiveness depends on its wearability, which is why they prioritize making armor that is both highly protective and comfortable. Their mission is to ensure that officers receive the highest level of protection while maintaining excellent ballistic performance. At Survival Armor, their focus is on providing top-notch protection for those who risk their lives daily. Cathy Lowe is the President and the CEO of the company and her mission has always focused on providing essential protective gear for law enforcement, military, and first responders ensuring their safe return to their families.

Their core values and vision are in their Mission Statement: “Protecting Those Who Protect Us” by delivering high quality, superior performing, comfortable body armor and Cathy for the past 30 years has been dedicated to this mission. Giving the law enforcement community the proper tools to serve and protect. This means that customers can trust that the armor they use offers exceptional protection, enabling them to carry out their responsibilities without concerns about the effectiveness of their body armor. Their aim is to guarantee that officers can focus on their duties, assured that their safety is protected by top-notch armor.

Cathy’s most notable accomplishment is her transformation from working in a factory sewing female armor to becoming the President and CEO of a prominent body armor company in a male-dominated field. She highlights that female officers often struggle to find well-fitting body armor in law enforcement. At Survival Armor, she emphasizes the importance of developing the best-fitting female armor, prioritizing both comfort and protection. Cathy understands the unique needs of female officers, ensuring that their armor not only meets standards but also provides superior protection against real-world threats. As the leader of a respected company, she seeks to motivate other women to overcome challenges, urging aspiring female leaders to work hard, stay determined, recognize their worth, and adhere to their values, reinforcing that success is possible and the path to achievement is within reach.

Through determination, hard work, and a passion for making a difference, Cathy has climbed the ranks from entry-level positions to her current leadership role. One of her biggest challenges has been navigating a male-dominated industry, particularly in the body armor sector, where few women hold leadership roles. This recognition is not just personal—it represents the progress and impact women are making in industries where they have historically been underrepresented, according to her. To succeed, she had to exert extra effort, work longer hours, and stay true to her identity and skills. Starting from the bottom in the factory, she gradually advanced by earning her bachelor's degree and consistently demonstrating her value through hard work and results. Over time, her deep understanding of the industry and the sincerity of her words gained her the respect and trust of her colleagues and the broader industry.

As a leader, Cathy's approach is straightforward: do what you say, say what you do, be honest and upfront, be firm but fair, and always lead by example. She remains actively involved, whether it’s assisting in the factory or ensuring her team has the necessary support to succeed. Their mission is to provide critical life-saving equipment to law enforcement, and prompt delivery is essential. The urgency of their work is significant; for instance, one of their vests protected an officer's life within just a week of its issuance. Timeliness is crucial, and they take their responsibility to deliver equipment to customers seriously.

Cathy also asserts that a strong sense of collaboration comes from bringing together great minds to work toward a common goal. When individuals from different positions and backgrounds collaborate, they contribute unique values and experiences that enrich the process. Looking at something from only one perspective limits creativity and innovation. Encouraging diverse viewpoints fosters deeper discussions and leads to more well-rounded solutions. They all have their strengths, and by embracing them collectively, they can achieve stronger, more impactful outcomes.

Besides, Cathy sees a chance for her company to enhance its social media presence. As digital platforms grow rapidly, social media offers immediate access to a wide audience, rendering traditional marketing methods like print catalogs and mailed ads less effective in today’s fast-paced environment. To broaden their marketing reach, it's essential to determine the social media channels that best fit their products and target audience. By utilizing these platforms effectively, they can boost visibility, engagement, and brand influence in a more efficient and cost-effective way. Their digital transformation strategy emphasizes identifying the most effective channels for market penetration to connect with their target demographic. This requires comprehensive market analysis and an understanding of industry trends to pinpoint customer needs and engagement opportunities. By studying digital behavior trends, they can strategically focus on the most relevant apps and platforms to maximize their impact. Aligning their digital efforts with the preferred tools and channels of their audience will yield the most favorable results for their brand and industry presence.

Cathy emphasizes the significance of featuring female influencers in various fields as a positive step forward. In law enforcement, there is a growing initiative to increase the number of women in leadership positions. Organizations are working towards having women occupy 30% of executive roles in law enforcement by 2030. Additionally, there are female-focused initiative groups aimed at innovating and transforming policing through leadership. Survival Armor, Inc. is developing ballistic solutions that comply with the upcoming NIJ-0101.07 Standard for ballistic vest testing in the U.S. They intend to submit their latest products for evaluation once NIJ testing begins, with the aim of enhancing ballistic vests for law enforcement, military, and first responders. A major aspect of their innovation is creating armor solutions tailored for women, striving to surpass existing market standards while following NIJ regulations. Survival Armor is committed to providing advanced protection that prioritizes performance, comfort, and safety. Cathy aspires to motivate other women to overcome challenges and lead confidently, paving the way for future female leaders and CEOs.

There is nothing we cannot achieve if we apply ourselves and commit to the journey, says Cathy. While every career has its challenges, staying the course, believing in yourself, and knowing your worth will propel you to the pinnacle of success. Cathy is truly honored to be recognized as one of the Top 10 Influential Female Leaders of 2025. She stands as a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, dedication, and unwavering core values. She shares a message: “Let’s continue to lead, mentor, and uplift the next generation of female leaders—because the future is ours to shape!”