Ever wonder what it takes to run successful camps like Camp Blaze, Camp FFIT and Island Ignite? This session will pull back the curtain on the planning, partnerships, and purpose behind these impactful programs designed to introduce women and other underrepresented groups to careers in the fire service.
Join Oakville Deputy Fire Chief and Blaze Fire Academy founder Kalpana Rajgopalan as she moderates a dynamic panel discussion featuring Deb Rogers (Island Ignite), Pike Krpan (Camp FFIT, Hamilton Fire), and Carissa Campbell (Camp FFIT, Ottawa Fire). This session will explore the impact, challenges, and future of inclusive fire service camps across Canada, showcasing programs that inspire and empower young women and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in the fire service.
From logistics and mentorship to outreach and evaluation, learn how fire service leaders are creating powerful, hands-on experiences that break down barriers and ignite interest in firefighting and leadership roles. Whether you’re looking to start a camp in your own community or strengthen an existing one, this session offers real tools, inspiring stories, and proven strategies to take back home.
This session will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the critical planning, coordination, and community engagement efforts required to deliver high-impact camps that encourage women and underrepresented groups to consider careers in the fire service. Drawing on the success of a number of Canadian outreach programs, this session will explore the intentional design and strategic partnerships that make these programs a launchpad for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the fire service profession.
Kalpana Rajgopalan
Deputy Fire Chief Kalpana Rajgopalan brings over 17 years of diverse experience in fire services and emergency management to her leadership role with the Oakville Fire Department, where she oversees Fire Prevention, Public Education, and External Stakeholder Engagement. A recognized leader in public safety, Kalpana played key roles in major national efforts including the G8/G20 Summits, the Syrian Refugee Program, and the COVID-19 response, earning the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her contributions. As a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she co-founded the Blaze Fire Academy, a program empowering young women and underrepresented groups to explore careers in firefighting through hands-on training and mentorship. Kalpana’s vision and dedication to building inclusive pathways make her a powerful voice for women and diversity in the fire service.
Deb Rogers
Debra Rogers is the Acting Captain and Fire Investigator with the Campbell River Fire Department (CRFD) in British Columbia. She began her fire service career in 2009 as a dispatcher and, in 2017, transitioned to the suppression division, becoming the first professional female firefighter in CRFD's history. Beyond her operational duties, Debra is a passionate advocate for gender equity in the fire service. She is the founding President of the Island Ignite Mentorship Society, which offers hands-on training and mentorship to young women aspiring to careers in firefighting. Additionally, she serves as the Project Manager for Fire Service Women BC, overseeing initiatives funded by a Women and Gender Equality grant to support and connect women in the fire service. In recognition of her contributions, Debra received the BC Achievement Foundation's Community Award in 2025. She continues to lead by example, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment within the fire service.
Pike Krpan
Pike Krpan 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.
Carissa Campbell
Carissa Campbell has been serving with Ottawa Fire Services since 2006, bringing nearly two decades of experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to both operational excellence and firefighter wellness. Promoted to Captain in July 2025, she previously served as a Training Officer for 18 months before returning to suppression for her promotion to Lieutenant earlier that same year.
Her leadership journey has been shaped by resilience and purpose. After experiencing a significant fire early in her career—an event that led to major changes in training, communications, safety, and equipment—Carissa was diagnosed with PTSD. Her path to recovery inspired her to become a champion for mental health, a peer support worker, and a passionate educator in Fire Dynamics.
Carissa is also trained as a Hazmat Technician and is known for her strong work ethic, unwavering dedication to fitness, and her natural ability to bring people together. Whether on the fireground or in the firehouse, she leads with authenticity, compassion, and the belief that strong teams are built on trust, shared purpose, and continuous learning.
Beyond her operational role, Carissa was instrumental in founding Fire Service Women Ontario and helped develop Camp FFIT, initiatives that empower and support women in the fire service.
She brings warmth, insight, and a team-focused mindset to every leadership conversation—especially when it comes to building a positive, inclusive, and resilient station culture.
