The core values that guide our agency can be found in our capstone doctrine, “We Are FEMA.” Every day, across the nation, FEMA employees are inspired by that mission and are working tirelessly to make a difference.
We encourage you to learn more about the staff and their mission-driven work and the who, what and why behind our mission.
Video Spotlight
Watch more stories in our We Are FEMA playlist on YouTube.
#IAMFEMA Stories
The men and women of FEMA are our most valuable assets. This diverse team represents every U.S. state, local, tribal and territorial area and our effectiveness is enhanced because we understand the communities we serve. We strive to ensure that our values of compassion, fairness, integrity and respect are reflected through our actions in every step in the process.
Explore these stories to get to know the people of FEMA and the many ways they are helping to create a more prepared and resilient nation. To join our team, go to USAJOBS.gov to see the latest job openings.
“FEMA allows me the opportunity to continue working to help others in need."
– Arlena, Region 2
"My FEMA training and my ability to remain calm in uncertain situations undoubtedly played a significant role in me saving an elderly woman's life."
– Tom, Region 9
“As I support the Deaf employee, I
get to see the amazing work that unfolds, the collaboration that
happens and the survivors who are able to benefit. Our Deaf
employees are dedicated to providing assistance to these
survivors, and I am so fortunate to be part of it,”
– Yasmine, Reservists
Throughout Black History Month, we are taking time to honor African American FEMA employees who help make our nation safer, stronger and more prepared. Through their service, these colleagues are bringing much-needed energy to help our work align with FEMA’s Strategic Plan and the ideals of our nation.
Monica Curtis was working her shift at a Department Store when a customer, impressed by her knowledge, asked her if she had ever considered a different career path. While Curtis was also working full-time as a teacher assistant, she admitted that with her kids grown, she would love to pursue a career that allowed her to travel. He recommended FEMA, where she could help people while traveling.
Meet Emily! She is a Community Planner with FEMA Region 8’s Mitigation Division. Emily joined FEMA in the Fall of 2019 with a background in land-use planning.
Millions of Americans across the country have been affected by disasters, from Alaska to Puerto Rico, from Florida to South Carolina. FEMA is not slowing down as it continues to respond and help disaster survivors.
Senior Advisor for the Office of Response and Recovery Mike Plostock shares his experience responding after the Surfside Collapse.
Jamie Casterton is a Public Affairs Specialist at FEMA Region 8. She joined the agency in November 2018 and have been with our regional office in Denver, Colorado since May 2020.
Paul is a Regional Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist at FEMA Region 8. He started with FEMA as a local hire in early 2005 to support disaster recovery after four strong hurricanes hit Florida in just a matter of weeks.
To celebrate Earth Day, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, AmeriCorps Chief Executive Officer Michael Smith and AmeriCorps teams partnered with Washington Parks & People for a service event at the Marvin Gaye Community Center in Washington, D.C. During the event, participants planted a tree, removed invasive species from the park and cleared out debris from surrounding waterways. The community center is the largest municipal park in the district and is home to over 200 forest plants.
When disasters threaten our homes, offices and communities, the importance of building codes is more evident than ever. If a structure follows modern codes, it is more likely to withstand strong floods, wind and other risks due to natural hazards. These codes help to protect property and save lives.
Many people spend time in churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, gurdwaras or other places of worship and public spaces. People should feel safe when they gather to express their faith or serve their community. As we continue to learn from faith and community leaders how to improve the safety and security of these spaces, we identified five ways your community can get started today.
