We are inviting women who lead in emergency management - whether in risk reduction, readiness, response, recovery - to share their stories, so we can pass them on to those who come after us.

Emergency management is about making decisions in uncertainty, caring for others in chaos, and stepping forward when others step back. It demands courage, clarity, and compassion. But behind every plan, every warning, and every act of leadership is a person - someone who chose to lead in tough spaces, often without a clear path ahead.

This project sets out to gather the voices of women who have led in this field - from around the world, across roles, and through crises both seen and unseen. This project also intends to capture stories from women in ‘leadership’ - in all its forms – and not limited to leadership by ‘position’.

Jackson and Parry (2018) defined the 6 Ps of leadership as:

• • • Person – Leadership as the traits, behaviours, or identity of an individual.

    • Position – Leadership as a formal role or place in a hierarchy.

    • Process – Leadership as something that happens between people, through interaction.

    • Performance – Leadership as demonstrated through results, outcomes, or actions.

    • Purpose – Leadership driven by a clear mission, goal, or shared vision.

    • Place – Leadership shaped by context, culture, or environment.

This will not be a book of bio’s. It will be a collection of stories about grit, growth, mistakes, turning points, and truths. It is about the kind of leadership that holds people together in the worst of times. It is about legacies - those we inherit, and those we leave behind.

Each contributor will respond to five simple questions:

1. 1. 1. What drew you to this work in emergency management?

      2. What difference do you think your work/leadership makes?

      3. What have you learned about leadership - about yourself and others?

      4. What tips or advice would you give to those coming after you?

      5. How can we open more doors for women and girls entering this field?

Whether you are just beginning or have decades of experience, your story matters. Join us in offering honesty, strength, and solidarity to those that follow.