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Three members of the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) have been named 2025 scholarship recipients by the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation (YLD). It marks the first time in the foundation’s 38-year history that three members from the same department have been selected in the same year.
“What’s amazing is that each MFD member was evaluated on their own and chosen for both similar and different reasons,” said Michael Hildebrand, president of the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation.
In many cases, one recipient shares news about the scholarship and encourages others to apply the following year. In 2025, a 2024 recipient applied for another scholarship while also encouraging two fellow members to apply.
“That demonstrates leadership,” Hildebrand said. “They shared their success and led by example.”
Fire Officers Joe Flick and Jessica Ziems received the Chief James G. Yvorra Scholarship for Fire and Emergency Service Responders. Kendria Donaldson received the Donald E. Sellers Scholarship for Emergency Medical Services. Each scholarship is valued at $4,000.
All three recipients recently earned promotions. Each shared plans for further advancement, higher education and programs that support other members of the department.
Joe Flick
Capt. Joe Flick is a two-time YLD scholarship recipient, earning awards in 2024 and 2025. He completed his bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency response management from the University of Wisconsin in May 2025. He is now working toward a master’s degree in fire and emergency administration and management.
Flick founded Ignite the Spirit–Milwaukee, a volunteer nonprofit that supports firefighters and their families during times of emotional, physical and financial hardship. The group has helped hundreds of fire service families across southeastern Wisconsin. Under Flick’s leadership, the organization also created the Kristin Ciganek-Schroeder Memorial Scholarship, which supports women pursuing careers in the fire service.
Jessica Ziems
Lt. Jessica Ziems serves as a company officer, supervising firefighters and heavy equipment operators in emergency and non-emergency situations. She oversees training, mentoring, scheduling and evaluations.
Ziems is a certified diver with the department’s Dive Rescue Team and serves as a peer support lead, helping members manage the stresses of the job. She is also an EMT instructor, training both new recruits and veteran members.
Ziems earned the top score on the department’s fire lieutenant promotional exam, becoming the first woman in department history to place first. She plans to complete a bachelor’s degree in social work or human resource leadership to better serve department members.
Kendria Donaldson
At 24, Lt. Kendria Donaldson already has 12 years of service with MFD. She began as a fire cadet in 2013 and later served as a firefighter/paramedic. She was promoted to paramedic lieutenant and most recently to fire lieutenant.
Donaldson plans to take part in the fire captain promotional process within the next two to four years. She hopes to lead a firehouse focused on mentorship, accountability and education.
She currently mentors new firefighters and serves as treasurer of the Milwaukee Brotherhood of Firefighters, a nonprofit focused on inner-city outreach and firefighter development.
Donaldson plans to use her scholarship to complete a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency management and begin work on a master’s degree in public administration.
About the Milwaukee Fire Department
Under Fire Chief Aaron D. Lipski, the Milwaukee Fire Department protects about 95 square miles and serves a population of roughly 595,000 residents. The department responds to more than 80,000 calls each year and has approximately 750 sworn personnel.
“Congratulations to the Milwaukee Fire Department and Fire Chief Lipski,” Hildebrand said. “Your members reflect your leadership. Your department and your community are in very good hands.”
About the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation
The Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation was formed in 1988 in memory of Deputy Fire Chief James G. Yvorra, who died in the line of duty. The foundation promotes leadership development in fire and emergency services across the United States.
Since its founding, YLD has awarded nearly $270,000 in scholarships. In 2025, the foundation awarded 10 scholarships totaling $52,000.
The application period runs from Aug. 1 through Oct. 30. More information is available at www.YLD.org.