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The Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation (YLD) has awarded a Donald E. Sellers Scholarship for Emergency Medical Services to Kendria Donaldson, a lieutenant with the Milwaukee Fire Department.

At just 24 years old, Donaldson already has 12 years of service with the Milwaukee Fire Department. She began her career as a fire cadet in 2013 and steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as a firefighter/paramedic before being promoted to paramedic lieutenant and, most recently, fire lieutenant. Looking ahead, Donaldson plans to participate in the fire captain promotional process within the next two to four years, with the goal of leading a firehouse that prioritizes mentorship, accountability and education.

“Kendria Donaldson represents exactly the type of emerging leader Chief Yvorra believed in — someone who combines operational excellence with a genuine commitment to developing others,” said Michael Hildebrand, president of the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation. “Her rapid progression, focus on education and dedication to mentorship demonstrate how one individual can positively shape the future of the fire service.”

Donaldson currently mentors new firefighters and hopes to expand that role by encouraging others to pursue both professional training and higher education.

In her scholarship application, Donaldson wrote, “The Milwaukee Fire Department is deeply involved in community-based programs and is committed to promoting public safety, equity and professional development. In addition to my operational role, I mentor new firefighters, lead informal training and serve as treasurer for the Milwaukee Brotherhood of Firefighters, a nonprofit focused on inner-city outreach and firefighter development. Through both my leadership in the firehouse and my involvement in the community, I strive to uphold the department’s values.”

Donaldson plans to use her YLD scholarship to complete a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency management and to begin pursuing a master’s degree in public administration. These academic goals build upon her associate degree in paramedicine and nearly a decade of fire service experience, expanding her knowledge in leadership, budgeting, administrative law and public policy.

She considers her promotion to fire lieutenant at age 24 to be her most substantial professional achievement.

“Being promoted so early challenged me to grow rapidly as a leader,” Donaldson said. “I was responsible for making critical decisions under pressure, guiding newer firefighters and setting the tone for professionalism on and off the fireground. I relied heavily on both formal training and informal mentorship, and I made it a priority to pass that on by mentoring new members, leading informal drills and being a dependable resource for guidance and accountability.”

The Milwaukee Fire Department, under the leadership of Fire Chief Aaron D. Lipski, protects approximately 95 square miles and serves a population of about 595,000. The department responds to more than 80,000 calls annually and operates with approximately 750 sworn personnel, providing emergency response, prevention and community health services. Three members of the Milwaukee Fire Department were selected this year to receive YLD scholarships, a first for the foundation.

Each year, the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation recognizes emerging and developing leaders in fire, EMS, hazardous materials, emergency management and homeland security. In 2025, YLD awarded 10 scholarships totaling $52,000.

The application period for YLD scholarships runs from Aug. 1 through Oct. 30. More information is available at www.YLD.org.