Dr. Tina Saryeddine, Executive Director, Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC), and Chief Keri Martens, Vice-President of CAFC and Fire Chief, Banff Fire Department
Building Platforms for Leadership
Dr. Saryeddine and Chief Martens have been instrumental in establishing and enhancing the Women’s Chief and Officer Leadership Development Day. This groundbreaking initiative has created a national platform for women leaders to come together, share knowledge, and inspire one another. Through their efforts, women from across Canada have been able to participate, fostering mentorship, professional development, and visible pathways into senior leadership roles.
Strengthening Collaboration Across Canada
Recognizing the importance of cross-jurisdictional collaboration, Dr. Saryeddine and Chief Martens facilitated the ability of the three Fire Service Women organizations—Fire Service Women British Columbia (FSWBC), Fire Service Women Central Provinces (FSWCP), and Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO)—to come together in Winnipeg. This historic opportunity for consultation and joint action elevated the voice of women leaders, enhanced professional credibility, and reinforced the vision of making gender equity the norm in the fire service rather than the exception.
Influencing National Strategy and Policy
Their leadership extended into the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs’ new strategic planning process, where they ensured that the perspectives of women and equity-deserving groups were actively considered. They also guided the development of draft national guidelines addressing bullying in the fire service—an urgent and necessary step toward building safer and more inclusive workplaces for all.
Elevating the Voice of Fire Service Women
Through consistent advocacy and unwavering support, Dr. Saryeddine and Chief Martens have given FSW organizations a stronger voice, helping to raise awareness of their work, enhancing their credibility, and solidifying their role as professional partners in shaping the future of the fire service. Their efforts have ensured that the vision of FSWO—“to make gender equity the norm instead of the exception”—is amplified nationally.
Conclusion
Dr. Tina Saryeddine and Chief Keri Martens embody the very essence of this award. Their commitment to equity, collaboration, and transformative leadership has not only advanced the mission of FSWO and its sister organizations but has also created lasting systemic change across Canada’s fire service. Their contributions will resonate for generations to come, ensuring that women and equity-deserving groups are empowered, respected, and positioned for success.