I entered the fire service with a clear purpose to give back to the community that raised me. I knew, from the very beginning, that helping people was my calling.
Embracing every part of myself, including maintaining my femininity, remained a top priority.
As a mother of two beautiful daughters and a proud member of the Baltimore City Fire Department, I strive daily to continue that goal.
Throughout my career, I’ve always made time for self-care. Getting my hair and nails done has remained a vital aspect of my routine. It keeps me feeling vibrant and whole. In a male-saturated profession like the fire service,I find it imperative to hold onto my femininity and individualism where I can.
It’s not to prove a point, but to stay grounded and true to myself.
It’s a reminder, given everything I encounter, that strength and softness can coexist;we don’t have to compromise our identity to excel in this field.
Of course, balance is key. That might mean arriving at work with fresh curls and a little lip gloss, knowing full well that by the end of the shift, hair may have fallen flat, and lip gloss long forgotten.Nevertheless, taking time before my day gets started to perform my beauty regimen is as vital as eating a balanced meal.
Whether I’m responding to an EMS emergency or stepping off an apparatus to fight a fire, the job comes first. There is a way to embody femininity without overdoing it and maintaining full capacity for performing the job. That’s where the difference lies.
Those elements of feminine expression don’t hinder our ability to perform, but they do contribute to keeping a strong sense of self and cultivating an environment that reflects the communities we serve.
One of my best decisions was getting sister locs, a natural hairstyle that keeps my hair neatly under my helmet and turnout gear. My locs have been a point of connection with other women in the fire service, as well as women in the community. Investing in my hair has enabled me to maintain a professional appearance, stay compliant with safety standards, create a low-maintenance daily routine, and all while curating a signature look.
It’s one example of how we can adapt our self-expression to the demands of our work environment.
Working in a busy department like Baltimore City meanshigh call volume, complex challenges, and constant demand. That has meant knowing my strengths, identifying and working to improve any weaknesses, staying aware of my blind spots, and putting in the work, specifically building physical strength and refining my firefighting techniques.
”It’s a reminder, given everything I encounter, that strength and softness can coexist; we don’t have to compromise our identity to excel in this field.”
I’ve faced the same heat, carried the same weight, and earned my place right alongside my brothers in the fire service. All with a fresh set of nails, a touch of makeup, and no hair out of place.
Over the years, I’ve embraced it all.The hard days, the wins, the lessons, and the growth. I’ve worked my way through the ranks, and every promotion has been a testament to determination, consistency, and staying true to myself. I lean into my femininity, exploring how my unique attributes can enhance my performance and contribute to the working environments I inhabit. Today, I serve not only as a firefighterbut also as a leader, mentor, teacher, and example of what’s possible when you honor authenticity and fervently pursue your passions.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that femininity and professionalism in the fire service are not mutually exclusive.
Women bring valuable traits to fire service leadership,such as empathy, intuition, and grace under pressure. These qualities enhance our teams and strengthen our impact.
To the young women entering this profession, always remember you are enough just as you are.
Bring your toughness, your tenderness, your resilience, your polish, and your authenticity.There is room for every part of you in this profession. The firehouse and the fireground need your voice, your perspective, and your presence.You have something valuable to bring.
