Dear FSWO Community,
I want to take a moment to share my appreciation for the support, insight, and dedication that each of you brings to Fire Service Women Ontario. Serving as President of the FSWO Board continues to be an honour and a responsibility I hold with pride.
In late May, the Board of Directors came together in Oakville for a two-day face-to-face meeting—the same city where we will host our 2025 Annual Training Symposium. This was a meaningful opportunity to connect in person, strengthen our governance, and plan ahead with intention. I’m proud of the professionalism, collaboration, and leadership demonstrated by every board and committee member throughout these discussions.
We had the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art Oakville Fire Training Grounds, alongside the community spaces and hotel accommodations that will host our next symposium. I believe wholeheartedly that this will be our most ambitious and impactful event to date, and I look forward to welcoming our members to a training experience grounded in excellence, inclusion, and empowerment.
I’m also excited to welcome our newest board members—Tracey Shields, Samantha Hoffmann, and Kalpana Rajgopalan. Their energy, ideas, and leadership are already making a positive impact as we shape the next phase of FSWO’s growth.
In the months ahead, I will focus on strengthening our organizational structure and sustainability. This includes deepening our partnerships, expanding our membership, and continuing the important work of equity within our own organization and across the broader fire service. We’ve grown so much as a collective, and I am confident that with your continued engagement, we will keep building on this momentum.
Please reach out at any time with ideas, questions, or feedback. FSWO exists because of its members—and it’s through your voices that we continue to evolve and lead.
With respect and appreciation,
Lydia Wilcox
President
Fire Service Women Ontario