Leading Beyond the Line: Celebrating Women in Non-Traditional Fire Service Leadership Roles

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking panel discussion featuring accomplished women leaders in the fire service. This session will explore the unique journeys of each panelist, highlighting the challenges they've overcome and the pivotal moments that shaped their careers.

Panelists will share insights into the initiatives they have led—or contributed to—that have driven meaningful change within their organizations and communities. The conversation will also focus on practical advice for aspiring women leaders, offering strategies for building confidence, fostering resilience, and supporting one another’s growth in a traditionally male-dominated profession.

Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, this session promises to provide valuable takeaways, shared experiences, and a renewed sense of connection and purpose.

Lydia Wilcox is a passionate leader and advocate for diversity in the fire service, currently serving as President of Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO). With over 17 years of experience at the Kitchener Fire Department, she has contributed significantly to both Fire Prevention and Operations. Since joining the FSWO board in 2014, Lydia has driven key initiatives including developing and implementing the mentoring program, planning symposiums and educational sessions, and collaborating on the influential ‘Insights from the Inside’ research paper that shaped the FSWO toolkit. She actively represents FSWO at major forums such as the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, championing women leaders in firefighting. Holding a Master of Public Administration from Western University, Lydia continues to build her expertise through leadership programs, including enrollment in the Fire Service Executive Management Certificate Program, the and Dare to Command program, and the CAFC’s Rapid Response Leadership Development Program.

Jenn Dawkins began her career in Maple Ridge in 1997 where she served 3 years before getting hired in Vancouver in 2000. Currently an acting Captain in suppression, Jenn has been part of several specialties including hazmat, heavy rescue and HUSAR and has worked in many divisions including Recruitment and Outreach, Public Education, and the Training Division. She has been an Instructor with the Justice Institute of BC for several years. In 2010, Jenn was one of the founders of Camp Ignite and served as the Program Director for its first 11 years. She has a Certificate in Emergency Management and is currently completing her Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies. In 2021 Jenn became a board member for Fire Service Women Ontario and through that experience is excited to be FSWBC Founding President and continue her role as a leader serving the Women in the Fire Service British Columbia. Jenn is the recipient of the King’s Coronation Medal recognized for her work to women in the fire service across Canada.

Sarah Peto is a barrier-breaking leader in the fire service, serving as Lieutenant II with Brandon Fire & Emergency Services and bringing 24 years of frontline experience. As the second woman ever hired—and the first female officer—in her department, Sarah has spent her career creating space for others to follow. A graduate of the Manitoba Emergency Services College, she also completed a four-year degree in Applied Disaster and Emergency Services while working full-time. Beyond her operational leadership, Sarah is deeply committed to mental health advocacy, leading peer support through Project Resilience 911. In 2024, she helped launch Fire Service Women Central Provinces, building a network of support, inclusion, and mentorship for women in fire across Western Canada. Her story reflects strength, perseverance, and a drive to lift others as she leads—making her an inspiring voice on this Breaking Barriers panel.

Melissa Gennaro is Division Chief in the Office of the Fire Chief at Toronto Fire Services, where she brings a thoughtful, inclusive approach to leadership. Since joining TFS in 2017 and stepping into her current role in 2023, Melissa has championed collaboration, strategy, and equity in the fire service. Her leadership during Toronto’s COVID-19 response reflected her core belief: that true leadership is built on trust, purpose, and making space for others to succeed. With a passion for breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated environments, Melissa leads with empathy and conviction—paving the way for more inclusive, representative leadership across the fire service. She holds an Honours BA from the University of Toronto and a Certificate in Leading Change from the Rotman School of Management.

George has been a firefighter for 26 years and currently serves with South Wales Fire and Rescue service. George is an ambassador for gender equality and has an ambition to see more women striving to do whatever job they want to do in life; always ensuring she is visible as a role model for women wanting to embark on a career that doesn’t fit society’s stereotypes.

She loves competing at a high level and qualified to represent Great Britain’s Age Group Triathlon Team and has scaled mountains such as Elbrus and Kilimanjaro. George has also recently been nominated for ‘Most Influential LGBT and individual in the Fire Service’ by Excellence in Fire and Emergency two years running.