A Life-Changing Academy
Written by Keisha Bristow, published July 18, 2023
As someone who loves to learn, I take every opportunity to attend trainings and conferences as much as I can. I had recently started following the 911der Women Facebook group a few months prior. An opportunity became available to attend a free 2-day Academy in nearby Charleston, SC. When I went to work, our Communications Manager emailed the supervisors asking if any of us were interested in attending the 911der Women Academy: Finding Your Career in 911. I immediately replied YES.
During a recent promotion board I’d been in, I explained to my command staff and members of the promotion board that I’d never really seen myself doing anything different than working on the dispatch floor. My ultimate goal was to become a shift supervisor, and I’d attained that. I’d never seen myself doing anything different or advancing in my career. When an opportunity presented itself to be promoted to Communications Training Supervisor, I immediately became excited about the possibilities that this career in public safety could take me. I did not get the position; honestly, it was devastating and made me rethink my career path. Maybe being a shift supervisor would be all I would be.
Attending the 911der Women Academy in Charleston reignited that passion and excitement again. This time, however, the Academy afforded me so much more. Hearing about the career paths of other 911 professionals really left an impact on me and all that I could get out of this career. I realized that if I wanted to be taken seriously, I needed to get serious about my job. This August will make nineteen years since I started my career in 911. In those years, I’d attained an Associate’s degree and a dual Bachelor’s degree. I’d never thought of achieving any professional certifications in public safety. Now, I am interested in attending NENA's Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP) being offered in Georgia later this year. The following year, I also plan to attain my Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification through NENA and/or attend the Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) Program through APCO. I will continue to look for more opportunities to move up in public safety management. I would also like to mentor those wanting to advance in this rewarding career. The Academy pushed for mentorship and going after what you want in life. Two speakers from the Academy have connected with me, and I have reached out to them for mentorship. I am excited about these new connections and eager to see how my career will continue to evolve.
Thank you, Keisha for sharing your experience with us. If you are interested in writing a blog, please email amanda@911derwomen.com. Sign up for our newsletter on our homepage to stay up to date with 911der Women programming, exclusive content and blog updates. Click here and scroll to the bottom.
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