Three Women Recognized by Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation Highlighted During Women’s History Month
By Mark E. Brady, Public Information Officer
PIOMarkBrady@gmail.com
As Women’s History Month is observed across the country, the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation (YLD) is highlighting three extraordinary women who represent the next generation of leadership in fire and emergency services.
This year, Kendria Donaldson, Jessica Ziems and Victorian Simmons were recognized through YLD scholarships and a Chief Alan Brunacini Special Projects Award respectively, reflecting the growing influence of women across fire, EMS, emergency management and public safety.
YLD annually supports aspiring and emerging leaders committed to advancing their profession through education, innovation and service. This year’s female honorees embody that mission.
“These women are not just recipients of scholarships,” said Michael Hildebrand, president of the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation. “They are leaders in action, mentoring others, strengthening their organizations and setting a standard of excellence that reflects the legacy of both Chief James Yvorra and Chief Alan Brunacini.”
YLD scholarships and Chief Alan Brunacini Special Projects awards are designed to invest in individuals whose work will create long-term impact within the fire and emergency services community.
For decades, leadership roles in public safety were predominantly held by men. That landscape has changed. Women increasingly serve in command roles, as educators, policy leaders and public information officers responsible for strategic communications during crisis.
The three women recognized this year demonstrate that leadership is defined not only by title, but by initiative, resilience and a commitment to serving others.
Kendria Donaldson
Lt. Kendria Donaldson of the Milwaukee Fire Department has built an impressive career in public safety at a young age.
At 24, Donaldson already has 12 years of service with the department. She began as a fire cadet in 2013 before becoming a firefighter/paramedic. She was later promoted to paramedic lieutenant and most recently to fire lieutenant.
Donaldson plans to participate in the fire captain promotional process within the next two to four years. Her goal is 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 organization dedicated to 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.
Victorian Simmons
Victorian Simmons, public information officer for the Town of Apex Fire and Police Departments in North Carolina, received a Chief Alan Brunacini Special Projects Award.
Simmons was selected for her research project, Bridging the Silence, which examines how stress and trauma affect communication, leadership and team dynamics among first responders.
Her project will translate academic research into practical tools for the fire and emergency services. The work is intended to help leaders better understand communication challenges following traumatic events and adopt strategies that promote empathy, emotional intelligence and resilience.
Jessica Ziems
Lt. Jessica Ziems serves as a company officer with the Milwaukee Fire Department, supervising firefighters and heavy equipment operators during emergency and non-emergency operations.
Her responsibilities include training, mentoring, scheduling and evaluating personnel.
Ziems is also a certified diver with the department’s Dive Rescue Team and serves as a peer support lead, helping members manage the stresses associated with emergency service work. She is an EMT instructor who trains both new recruits and veteran firefighters.
Ziems earned the top score on the department’s fire lieutenant promotional examination, becoming the first woman in department history to place first.
She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work or human resource leadership to further strengthen her ability to support department members.
“Women’s History Month gives us an opportunity to pause and recognize the progress that has been made,” Hildebrand said. “More importantly, it reminds us of the responsibility we have to continue building leadership pathways for those who will guide this profession into the future.”
The Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation continues to invest in leaders who reflect the diversity, strength and professionalism of today’s public safety community.
The foundation was established in 1988 in memory of Deputy Fire Chief James G. Yvorra, who died in the line of duty. It 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 for the next cycle runs from Aug. 1 through Oct. 30. Additional information is available at www.YLD.org.