Mentorship, Education, Advocacy

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You can expect to be assigned a crew with a team captain (Female in the Fire Service) to help guide conversations, zoom meetings, group text chats, and meet ups. Ask questions, support one another, carpool to tests and training.

Check out our Testimonials...

Must be 16 years old to request a mentor. 

For those under the age of 16 please visit our Youth Resources Page for programs that can help you gain experience and knowledge in the fire service.

Youth Resources Page Link

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WFA Mentorship Teams

Mentors 

Melissa Hillis
(Engineer)

“My team has amazing chemistry... we have a group chat full of encouragement, pictures, inspirational quotes, jokes, and yes a few tears. We remember to  celebrate each other’s accomplishments and pick each other up when one of us needs it.”

Engineer Hillis is a founding member of the WFA

Erin Regan
(FF/PM)

“Mentorship is the best way for me to give back to the profession that has given me so much.  It is so rewarding to lift up women that are interested in this career and help them to build experience, knowledge, confidence, and the physical readiness to succeed in the fire service.”

FF/PM is a founding member of the WFA

Cinnamon Basco
(Firefighter)

I've been in the fire service for over 20 years, I amassed contacts and experience that I wish I had from the beginning of my career. My goal is to bring confident, capable, allied female firefighters into the fire service and support them throughout their career, then help them mentor other young ladies.

The fire service and its culture is such a well kept secret and the path for women is even more hidden. My goal is to help my mentees discover how and where they fit in the fire service being their most authentic selves. We are stronger together!

Cinnamon Basco is on the Board of Directors for the Women's Fire Alliance

Jamie Ellazar
(Captain)



Mentorship holds a deeply personal significance for me, especially in the fire service—a field where, when I first started, there was a noticeable absence of women, particularly Asian women. This lack of representation meant that envisioning my own success was not just a challenge; it seemed nearly impossible. Chief Lee (Founding member of the WFA) introduced me to WFA. It was here that I found not just colleagues but a family of hardworking, supportive, and incredibly positive women who not only shared my challenges but also my aspirations.

These women had already blazed trails and shattered glass ceilings. They didn't just open doors; they held them open, ensuring that the path they started would widen for others to join. Being a part of WFA transformed my self-perception and fueled my determination to thrive in this demanding but rewarding profession.

As a mentor, my goal is to honor the legacy of these pioneering women by being an advocate and support for the next generation. I aim to empower other women by sharing knowledge, providing encouragement, and ensuring they have the resources to succeed. Each story of a woman rising through the ranks, overcoming obstacles, and leading bravely adds to the rich history we're still writing. ”

Cathy Lomeli
(Firefighter)



I started my career in the fire service 12 years ago not knowing a single female firefighter until I moved to San Francisco. Being a Latina female in fire classes at the age of 19 was intimidating but I was determined to break stereotypes. I was hired soon after and spent several years in forestry and 8 years after taking the first steps towards becoming a firefighter, I was the first, and 4 years later I remain the only female firefighter with the Placentia Fire Department.

Mentorship is important to me, as I did not have access to women, let alone Latina women in the fire service. Over the last few years, I have been attending female firefighter workshops and recently became involved, as an instructor at Girls’ Empowerment Camps. Volunteering for GECs was a natural extension as I not only mentor young women in cross country running but I’ve been mentoring young women for a few years, on my own, and seeing some get hired with departments is what makes mentoring so special to me.

I love educating and teaching women that anything is possible and ANYONE can do anything they set their mind to.

Naomi Forgay
(Firefighter)

After a few years of patience, dedication and hard work, I was hired with the West Covina Fire Department and am honored to be one of the first female firefighters within the department. When I got hired, I was placed with a WFA mentor, Melissa Hillis. Engineer Hillis mentored me through my year of probation, gave me valuable advice, a lot of knowledge and cheered me on along the way. 

Seeing the impact the WFA made on me, provided me with an amazing mentor through the alliance, Engineer Melissa Hillis, has inspired me to be that helping hand for other Women who want to pursue a career in firefighting. I am now a proud mentor for the WFA and hope to inspire others to be ambitious in their goals of becoming a firefighter.

Kendall Mader
(FF/PM)



I was introduced to the fire service as a college athlete through a female FFPM who worked at Berkeley Fire Department. It just so happened she had also been a part of the track and field team years before and was working one of the meets as a standby medic. We got to talking, she set me up with a ride along, and the rest is history.

I first saw how impactful a mentorship program could be through her actions as well as participation in a camp for college-aged females interested in the fire service. Before this I had never even seen a female firefighter and really never even thought of it as a possibility. I just knew I wouldn’t be the type to thrive behind a desk and wanted a career that would challenge me mentally as well as keep me in shape physically.

Fast forward a few years and I got hired with my first Firefighting job at Ventura County Fire Department. I spent about four years there in and was fortunate enough to gain Firefighting, particularly wildland, experience as well as obtain my Paramedic License. Last year, I joined the Beverly Hills Fire Department where I was introduced to the amazing Women’s Fire Alliance and its members.

My goal as a mentor is to create a safe space for those curious about pursing this career. When I started I knew very little and I didn’t feel comfortable asking anyone for help. I hope to be that for the future female firefighters to come.

Gretchen Maurer
(Firefighter)

I was introduced to the WFA through Melissa Hillis. I had just signed up for an EMT class because I wanted to be a firefighter. We exchanged info, and that night she added me to a text thread of women who were going through their probationary period. They were all incredibly gracious to me, as I really knew nothing about the fire service, not even the difference between an engine and a truck.

The WFA continued to be a huge influence as I got hired, and went through my probationary period with Culver City. When I needed encouragement, practical advice or physical help with skills, these women stepped up and met me where I needed help.

I can say with certainty that I would not be where I am today without the WFA.

I continue to be mentored by many women in the WFA and have become a mentor as well. Many women don't have friends or family members in the fire service to turn to for help in knowing what steps to take to get hired. The fire service is a unique career and without people to guide you, it can be a mystifying journey. My desire as a mentor is to give back and assist other women to the best of my ability in pursuing and advancing in their career.

Melissa Kelley
(FF/PM)



I vividly remember the day I saw the first female firefighter, at my grandfathers’ fire station, I couldn’t believe it, because I didn’t know they existed. But it impacted me, I began to shape my dreams and the whole idea that “if you can see it, then you can be it” began. Once the decision to become a Firefighter was made, I immediately signed up for an EMT class and soon after got hired as a seasonal brush firefighter for Cal Fire. On the off season, I signed up for Fire Science classes and met a group of women that trained together and supported each other, and my love of mentorship was born!

I have now been a Firefighter for almost 30 years! I am a current Firefighter/Paramedic for The Los Angeles City Fire Department, assigned to the Firefighter Recruitment Section.

It hasn’t always been an easy road, but I am here to use my experience to help guide you, teach you, and encourage you because this can be an amazing career… and with this network of talented women, we can make what may feel impossible, ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE!

Zulema Chavez
(FF/PM)



Mentorship is what got me the career I have now. I remember it being a dream, a goal, and a never-ending hustle. I remember meeting Cinnamon Basco at the first fire station I ever visited. It was so intimidating. I am a first-generation firefighter and there were a lot of unknowns. But, you miss every chance you don’t take. So there I was. She offered a sense of comfort and I remembered thinking, as she offered to mentor me, I couldn’t have had a better person to talk to. And from there I was introduced to more incredible women.

One of the first badass women I encountered on the job was Captain Chick, a founding member of the Women's Fire Alliance; The confidence, humbleness, and knowledge she had was something I really looked up to. Without even realizing it at the time, I wanted to welcome and teach others just the way she taught me. And as a strong believer that everything happens for a reason, I then met Engineer Hillis, another founding member of the Women’s Fire Alliance, at a recruitment event and now I am a Firefighter/Paramedic for the City of Beverly Hills.

I will continue to help grow this community of women in the fire service and give back like everyone has around me. “I’m just happy to be here.”

Dennis Garrett
Fire Captain



My introduction to a career in the Fire Service happened during a conversation while I was working as a reservation agent for Northwest Airlines. My co-worker who turned out to be a retired El Segundo Battalion Chief said, “you’d do well in the Fire Service”. I smiled and said, “I’ve never seen a firefighter that looked like me”. We both laughed awkwardly but he repeated the statement in a serious tone. That moment changed my life. He had nothing to gain by saying what he said besides wanting something good for someone else. At the core of every good Firefighter is a servant’s heart.

I am in my 26 th year as a member of the Long Beach Fire Department. My journey has led me to positions as a Firefighter, Engineer and now a Captain.

I came into a very progressive drill school with only having a few Fire Science classes and an EMT cert from a late-night program that I attended while also working 40 plus hours a week.

Drill school and the preparation process were a challenge, but it was never difficult because I enjoyed what I was learning. An example of how difficult is I didn’t send invitations to the academy graduation until the Thursday night before the Saturday graduation, mostly because I was that close to not making it.

I am so grateful that even with my lack of experience when drill school started, the drill school cadre saw something in me that I had know idea was inside me.

I’m writing this today with a humble heart as The Community Services and Recruitment Captain for the Long Beach Fire Department. Nobody is successful in this career without a mentor. We are here for you.

I proudly stand with the Women’s Fire Alliance, who continues to unconditionally give all they can to anyone with any level of interest in this career.

Courtney Kanakanui
(Firefighter)

Coming Soon

Rebekah Drews
(FF/PM)

Coming Soon

Stephanie Benjamin

Coming Soon

Ray Lopez Jr.
FF/PM

Coming Soon

Testimonials 

Deena Lee 
(Fire Chief, Ret.)

“The opportunity to meet and be mentored by women in the battalion chief rank inspired me to take the promotional test. I scored #1 and became the first female battalion chief in the South Bay.”

Chief Lee is a founding member of the WFA

Christina Coulson
(FF/PM)

"I can say that without the support from the WFA, I may not be where I am today… Having a group of your peers to lean on for answers and support has been a vital aspect of my success in becoming a fulltime firefighter. This crucial support is what I got from the WFA. I looked to my female peers and mentors during the hiring process, throughout my academy, and even now off probation, for guidance and leadership. This support came as phone calls, in-person meetings or a quick text, both day and night."

Lily Strack
(Testing Process)

Through the WFA I was able to participate in a couple of Empowerment Camps which gave me more exposure to the fire service and allowed me to network and meet so many amazing and inspiring individuals. They encouraged me to start applying to different departments and answered any questions or worries that I had.

A few months later I decided to go through the hiring process with my local fire department and ended up getting hired. I would not be where I am today without the support of the WFA and the amazing people who have helped me along the way.

I’ll be starting my fire academy soon and knowing that I have a strong support system that I can lean on and turn to anytime I need is really encouraging and I’m so grateful for everything the WFA has provided.

Kristen Goetz
(Testing Process)

I am honored to be a mentee in the Women's Fire Alliance. My journey in helping others began in sports medicine, where I developed a passion for aiding in injury recovery and optimizing physical well-being. Currently, I serve as an orthopedic technician and surgical first assistant, where I have honed my skills in patient care and surgical procedures. My career path has led me to pursue a new challenge: joining the ranks as a firefighter. I am actively engaged in the application process, eager to bring my expertise and commitment to emergency response and community service.

The WFA has been instrumental in my journey by providing networking opportunities and guidance when I initially lacked direction on how to pursue a career in the fire service. Through mentorship and shared experiences with fellow members, I have gained confidence as a candidate and future firefighter. The support and knowledge shared within this alliance have been transformative, shaping me into a stronger, more determined individual ready to serve my community.

I am eager to pay forward the support I've received. My aspiration is to become a mentor within the Women's Fire Alliance once I achieve my goal of becoming a firefighter. I am committed to empowering and guiding future generations of female firefighters, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement needed to thrive in this profession.

Samantha Gantney
(Fire Cadet)

I never expected that a casual comment during my EMT course, “You should consider firefighting,” would lead me to the most transformative community I’ve ever known. That comment came from WFA Board Member Stephanie Benjamin, and it changed the trajectory of my life.

Through Stephanie, I found the Women’s Fire Alliance, where I was introduced to my mentor, Engineer Melissa Hillis. From our very first call, Melissa made me feel supported, capable, and inspired. Her presence is grounded and strong; she’s the kind of leader who makes you feel braver just by being in her corner. She has answered every question I’ve asked (and there have been a lot), making me feel empowered and equipped to take on this journey. Melissa’s impact on my growth has been immeasurable.

Through the WFA, I’ve also had the opportunity to train with Captain Dennis Garrett, whose guidance and workshops have helped me prepare physically and mentally for the challenges ahead. His encouragement has stayed with me long after our conversations ended.

I had the honor of attending the 4th Annual LAFD & WFA Women's Wellness Workshop, where I met many incredible first responders from across the LA area. Not only was the chance to learn from strong, accomplished women in fire unforgettable, but the support from fellow mentees—especially Kristen Goetz, who helped guide me every step of the way—made the experience even more impactful. Everyone showed up for one another, and it reminded me how special this community truly is. That day showed me that strength in this field isn’t built alone—it’s built through shared wisdom, mutual support, and showing up for each other.


The WFA has given me more than guidance—it’s given me a community that believes in me, challenges me, and reminds me that I belong in this field. I am proud to be a mentee and hope to one day be the mentor someone else needs, just like Engineer Hillis, Captain Garrett, and Stephanie Benjamin have been for me.

Chantal Prado
Fire Cadet

Coming Soon