WASHINGTON -- FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell traveled to southern California and participated in two events on Friday, Aug. 5 -- the HERricane Los Angeles conference, followed by a Women in Homeland Security SoCal Chapter meeting.
Both events celebrated women working in emergency management and encouraged the nation’s future women leaders.
The HERricane Los Angeles conference, hosted by the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management and the Los Angeles Department of Emergency Management, brought together women interested in a career in emergency management.
At the conference, Administrator Criswell spoke about the progress FEMA is making to ensure the field of emergency management reflects the communities we serve. She also commended the fresh and progressive perspectives these young women bring to emergency management, as the field rapidly adapts to a growing threat landscape.
“Each of you are here for a reason,” said Criswell. “You are here because you know you can do this -- because you have heard, and chosen, to answer the call to public service.”
HERricane is a national program that develops and elevates women as leaders in the field.
After the HERricane event, Administrator Criswell attended a meeting with the Women in Homeland Security SoCal Chapter. Criswell commended the group for their continued passion for helping people and the need to create a path to leadership for women in emergency management.
“I am honored to be in the company of so many women who have devoted themselves to a career in homeland security,” said Criswell. “I am pleased you are starting a mentorship program to nurture the next generation of women in homeland security.”
You can read Criswell’s prepared comments at the HERricane Los Angeles meeting here.
Photos by Antoine Richards, Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management