WASHINGTON — Only about 7 percent of firefighters nationwide are women, according to the National Fire Protection Association. At the D.C. Fire Department, two female fire battalion chiefs are inspiring the next generation.
Kishia Clemencia and Queen Anunay joined the D.C. Fire Department when they were 17 and 18 years old.
"When we came on, my mentors were all men. That wasn’t a bad thing, but now for the young ladies on the job, they see someone who looks like them and they can relate," Clemencia said.
More than two decades later, Clemencia and Anunay rose through the ranks to become Battalion Chief at the D.C. Fire Department.
"For me, it was surreal. I felt humbled and a little intimidated, but well prepared because you will not make battalion chief without making captain. You will not make make captain without making lieutenant. And, you will not make lieutenant without making sergeant, so there is a system already in place and we are prepared," Anunay said.
During their time with the D.C. Fire Department, the pair said they've seen the number of women within the department continue to grow.
"It has changed and it has changed for the better," Clemencia said.
The journey has not always been easy.
"There was some talk about us being given the position because they needed to meet the quota, but I found throughout my service that you need to earn the respect of firefighters. And, with that being said, they have made a wonderful embracing and acceptance of me as a leader. It is all about your work on the fire ground, knowing the culture and safety and getting the job done," Anunay said.
As an extra resource, Anunay and Clemencia helped to start a network in the D.C. Fire Department called Empowering Women to Lead.
"We are touching the women as they come in. We are telling them about opportunities. The department is embracing and calling for it and the world is calling for you to lead as women," Anunay said.
These two pioneers are changing the face of those who serve. They want to share this advice:
"Never give up. Even on your hardest days, don't give up because that is when the test comes," said Clemencia.
"When you take a look around the country and world, you can see the progress of women. It is no different in public safety. You cannot give up on your dreams because they are attainable and we are living proof," Anunay said.