This full-day, hands-on workshop is for women interested in exploring or returning to a career in firefighting. Whether you're an absolute beginner to the field or looking to refresh your past experience, this workshop offers a practical and encouraging space to build confidence and explore your next steps.
You will suit up in full gear, practice hose handling, search and rescue techniques, and other essential skills in a supportive environment. You'll connect with experienced women firefighters to learn about the job's physical and mental demands, shift schedules, workplace culture, and career benefits.
This workshop can be purchased as a single day or as part of the full symposium package.
Space is limited. No experience is required.
Participants will be expected to bring their own CSA-approved safety boots.
Pike Krpan
Pike has been a firefighter since 2012. She is an Acting Captain and Incident Safety Officer at the Hamilton Fire Department. In 2015, she founded Camp FFIT (Future Firefighters in Training) Hamilton, an annual three-day camp held every fall at Hamilton Fire's training facility for young women aged 16-20. Since 2015, Pike has also served the FSWO community in several roles. She recently completed her Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management at Algonquin College. She is also pursuing her Executive Chief Fire Officer designation via the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. She was the only Canadian fellow in the 2024-2025 International Association of Fire Chiefs Diversity Executive Leadership Program. Pike was the recipient of a full Honeywell Scholarship to FDIC 2016. She studied Pre-Service Firefighter Education at FESTI (Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute) in 2012 and was hired within six months of her graduation. Pike brings a varied background to her career in the fire service. She completed her Masters of Arts at the Ontario Institute of Education in Sociology and Equity Studies in Education, focusing on women's issues in education. Previously, she worked in international development education in diverse countries such as Cuba, Ecuador and Jamaica after completing an undergraduate degree in International Development and Women's Studies at Trent University. Pike is a mentor who assists those considering a career in the fire service. She has also promoted women in firefighting with the Women in Trades program of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and the YWCA Hamilton. In 2019, she was nominated for a YWCA Hamilton Woman of Distinction Award for her work in education and mentoring. Pike loves to introduce people to the challenge of firefighting.
Laura Ellis
Laura is a graduate of the Ontario Fire Academy and an Emergency Medical Responder. For several years, she has applied her expertise as a medic within the television and film industry and as part of McMaster University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences. With over a decade of experience in Health Sciences, she has excelled as a Standardized Patient Trainer and content developer for Simulation-Based Learning, working with post-secondary institutions and medical examining boards across Canada. Much of Laura’s work has been dedicated to breaking barriers, amplifying marginalized voices, and creating accessible education and community programming. She co-founded and serves as Executive Director of “Women’s Work,” a female-focused writing program, and the “Hamilton LOFT (Ladies of Film and Television),” striving for gender parity and improved industry culture. Her board experience includes serving as FSWO’s Student Director in 2024, and on the Hamilton Fringe Festival Board of Directors for five years. During this time, she assisted in securing grants to support vulnerable populations (with a focus on artistic and Indigenous communities.) Laura is excited about making a full career transition into the fire service and is passionate about continuing her impactful work with the FSWO.
