The Philadelphia Fire Department’s 4th annual Women’s Day Conference is a FREE educational and networking opportunity focused on professional development and peer mentoring.

In recognition of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, please join us for this extraordinary chance to learn, grow and make connections! This two-day event takes place March 6-7 at the American Red Cross, 700 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia. It will feature dynamic presentations, panel discussions and hands-on emergency preparedness workshops that will offer insight on career paths, personal wellness, community building, and challenges faced by women in the workplace.

Friday, March 6

Today is focused on careers in public safety and public service. Speak with female police officers from the SWAT and K-9 divisions; get up close with a fire engine and ambulance and ask questions of female firefighters and paramedics. Visit resource tables, voter registration booth and recruiters from agencies including Fire, Police, TSA, SEPTA Police, Jefferson Hospital and many others. Everyone is welcome, but young women looking at career options are especially encouraged to attend!

Emcee: Marilyn Russell of WOGL radio (98.1 FM)

8 a.m. Registration, check-in, meet-and-greet (light refreshments provided)

9 a.m. Opening remarks: Managing Director Brian Abernathy

9:30 a.m. Keynote: FEMA Region 3 Administrator MaryAnn Tierney

10 a.m. Break/Networking/Recruiting

10:15 a.m. Lauren Footman: “Lifting as You Climb & Paying it Forward”

10:45 a.m. Scott Charles, Trauma Outreach Coordinator, Temple University Hospital: “Cradle to Grave”

11:15 a.m. Kamela Johnson & Yolanda Hughes, Network of Neighbors: Responding to Community Trauma

12:15 p.m. Lunch (provided)

1 p.m. Breakout sessions:

  • ReSet (yoga session)
  • PFD Paramedic Lt. Erin Glasgow: Hands-only CPR/bleeding control workshop
  • Antoinette Campbell, Philadelphia Police Office of Forensic Science
  • Ebony Wortham, Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office
  • David Oliver, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations
  • Azucena Ugarte, Philadelphia Office on Domestic Violence Strategies

1:45 p.m. Break/Networking/Recruiting

2 p.m. Breakout sessions (same as above)

2:45 p.m. Break/Networking/Recruiting

3 p.m. Lynn Fisher, Office of Emergency Management: “Operation High Water.” In this interactive workshop, participants learn how decisions are made and resources are deployed during disasters.

4:30 p.m. Closing remarks: Deputy Police Commissioner Christine Coulter

Saturday, March 7

Today’s agenda focuses on the challenges facing professional women and the importance of self-care, support and empowerment.

Emcee: Patty Jackson of WDAS radio (105.3 FM)

8 a.m. Registration, check-in, meet-and-greet (light refreshments provided)

9 a.m. Opening remarks and welcome: Penn Vice President of Public Safety Maureen Rush, Deputy Police Commissioner Robin Wimberly

9:30 a.m. Keynote: Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw

10 a.m. Break/Networking

10:15 a.m. Panel discussion featuring:

  • MaryAnn Tierney, FEMA Region 3 Administrator
  • Chief Toni Washington, Decatur (Georgia) Fire Department
  • Lt. Minerva Cruz, Philadelphia Police Department
  • Commissioner Blanche Carney, Philadelphia Department of Prisons
  • Deputy Director Evan Thornburg, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs
  • Noelle Foizen, Executive Director, Opioid Response Unit
  • Rochelle Bilal, Philadelphia Sheriff
  • Captain Lisa Forrest, Philadelphia Fire Department

11:30 a.m. Break/Networking

12 p.m. Lunch (provided)

1 p.m. Breakout sessions:

  • Deputy Fire Commissioner Craig Murphy: Building Collapse Response
  • Assistant Fire Chief Richard Davison: Conflict Resolution
  • Sergeant Sylvia Young, Philadelphia Police: Active Shooter Response
  • Georgette Littlejohn: Mental First Aid for Female First Responders
  • Jeff Kolakowski, Office of Emergency Management: Social Media Presence
  • Fire Capt. Cecilia Ortiz & Firefighter Candida Garfield-Graham: Together We Rise

1:45 p.m. Break/Networking

2 p.m. Breakout sessions:

  • David Oliver, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: Conflict or Disagreement?
  • American Cancer Society
  • Sergeant Sylvia Young, Philadelphia Police: Active Shooter Response
  • Georgette Littlejohn: Mental First Aid for Female First Responders
  • Drexel University Professor Jennifer Taylor: Women as Unique Change Makers in First Responder Safety Culture
  • Deputy Chief Antoinette Eberhart, Philadelphia Housing Authority Police

2:45 p.m. Closing remarks: Fire Department Chief of Staff Tara Mohr

The Women’s Day Conference is proudly presented by the Philadelphia Fire Department, Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, Philadelphia Fire Department Foundation and American Red Cross. Please note the agenda and list of speakers is subject to change.

Learn more and register for the Women's Day Conference!