Stronger Together: FSW Groups Building a National Movement

Across Canada, Fire Service Women organizations are working together to create new opportunities, strengthen leadership, and advance women in the fire service. This panel explores how provincial organizations have built a collaborative national network—supported by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC)—to share resources, amplify each other's successes, and advocate for meaningful change across the profession.

Representatives from Fire Service Women organizations across the country will discuss how collaboration, rather than competition, has accelerated progress and expanded opportunities for women at every stage of their careers. Learn how this growing partnership is shaping the future of the Canadian fire service through education, mentorship, leadership development, research, and national advocacy.

Whether you're involved with a Fire Service Women organization or simply interested in building a stronger, more inclusive fire service, this session offers an inside look at how working together is creating lasting impact from coast to coast.

Dr. Tina Saryeddine

Tina Saryeddine is the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC), representing nearly 1,000 fire service leaders across Canada. She oversees the organization's operations and provides strategic leadership and policy support to the CAFC Board of Directors while working closely with provincial, territorial, and national fire service organizations.

Tina holds a PhD in Health Services Management from the University of Toronto and serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Ottawa's Telfer School of Management. Before joining the CAFC, she spent more than 20 years in senior leadership roles within Canada's healthcare sector, specializing in research, policy, and innovation. She is also a Certified Health Executive (CHE) through the Canadian College of Health Leaders.

Tracey Shields

Tracey Shields is a Captain and Acting District Chief with Ottawa Fire Services and President of Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO). She began her career in 1999 as one of the first three women hired as firefighters with Ottawa Fire Services and has since become the first woman promoted to Lieutenant, Captain, and qualified Acting District Chief in suppression.

Tracey has been actively involved with FSWO since its inception in 2009, serving in several executive roles including Registrar, Symposium Chair, Vice-President, and now President. During that time, she has helped the organization grow from 25 members to more than 900.

Passionate about leadership development and advancing women in the fire service, Tracey is committed to creating opportunities through mentorship, education, and collaboration. She has volunteered many times over the years with Camp FFIT, helping inspire and prepare the next generation of firefighters.

Sarah Peto

Sarah Peto is a Lieutenant II with Brandon Fire & Emergency Services, bringing more than 24 years of frontline experience as a firefighter and paramedic. As the second woman hired—and the first female officer—in her department, she has built a career focused on leadership, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others in the fire service.

Sarah is the founding President of Fire Service Women Central Provinces (FSWCP), a non-profit organization supporting women in the fire service across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba through advocacy, education, networking, and mentorship. She is also a passionate advocate for first responder mental health, serving with Project Resilience 911 and contributing to the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs' Mental Health and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committees.

Recognized nationally for her leadership and commitment to advancing women in the fire service, Sarah is a sought-after speaker whose practical experience, authenticity, and collaborative approach continue to inspire firefighters and leaders across Canada.

Anik St-Pierre

She holds the position of Diversity and Inclusion Advisor with the Montréal Fire Department, where she leads a team of dedicated professionals committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within the largest fire safety service in Quebec.

As a member of the Fire Chief’s Board of Directors, she works closely with fire services to develop concrete solutions to address the underrepresentation of women, Indigenous peoples, and visible and ethnic minorities.

Anik represents Canada on the Commission for Women in Fire Safety (CTIF) and serves as the International Trustee for Women in Fire.

Jessica O'Dell

Firefighting is more than a career to me—it's a family legacy and a lifelong passion. I joined my local fire department at 18 years old after my father, who now serves as our Deputy Fire Chief, encouraged me to take the leap. Following in the footsteps of both my father and my great-grandfather, I quickly discovered a calling that has shaped the last 17 years of my life. Throughout my journey, I have pursued extensive training and certifications, including Firefighter Level I & II, Auto Extrication, Instructor Level I, ICS 100 & 200, Medical First Responder (MFR), and many others. Every course, every call, and every opportunity to serve has reinforced my belief that the fire service is about far more than fighting fires—it's about leadership, community, and leaving the profession stronger than we found it.

That passion inspired me to co-found Maritime Ignite Fire Academy, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to introducing youth aged 14–18 to the fire service through immersive, hands-on training. Our mission is to ignite the same passion in the next generation that was sparked in me all those years ago while helping strengthen recruitment across the Maritimes. Today, I am equally proud to be helping bring Fire Service Women (FSW) to Atlantic Canada. As a passionate advocate for women in the fire service, I have experienced firsthand the power of connection, mentorship, and representation. FSW has become more than a network—it is a community that empowers women to lead, grow, and thrive. I am excited to help build that same sense of belonging here in the Maritimes and to create opportunities that inspire the next generation of women to see themselves in the fire service.