HCOHSEM Hosts First Annual Emergency Management Impact Program
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) hosted its first EM Impact program on June 27 and 28. Fifteen young women interested in exploring a career in emergency management attended the program which emphasizes emergency management, diversity, equity and inclusion, and women’s empowerment.
EM Impact is intended to be an annual event.
Participants had the opportunity to explore careers related to disasters and emergency response, develop leadership skills, and connect with other successful women in the field. The panels featured professionals from many different facets of emergency management including public information, geographical information systems, and education.
“In a world that faces many different challenges, we need a diverse and inclusive emergency management community,” said HCOHSEM Deputy Coordinator Mel Bartis. “These young women are the next generation of emergency managers, and we are excited to help prepare them to be our future colleagues.”
At the completion of the program, students captured skills and resources needed to embark on their educational and professional journey. In addition, they connected with career mentors and built personal and professional networks with members of their cohort.
Sponsors for the event included The Kuraray American Foundation, Apache Corporation, Comcast Business, and the Southeast Regional Local Emergency Planning Committee (SRLEPC) sponsored the event. Breakfast, lunch, refreshments and event materials were provided by Canyon Creek, Milestone, River Oaks Donuts, Max Marketing, Gringos Restaurant/Jimmy Changas and Dessert Gallery.
Source: HCOHSEM
