Her Story
About Gina
Gina DeVito is a senior fire and emergency services professional with over 25 years of experience in firefighting, fire and EMS operations, training, and leadership. She currently serves as Woodmere Fire Chief and has been an At-Large Director on the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association Board for over two decades. Her career includes extensive service with the Twinsburg Fire Department, progressing from Lieutenant to Captain overseeing fire and EMS training and EMS operations, along with earlier experience as a Fire Inspector. She is also an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Akron and has completed executive leadership and DEI certifications through Cornell University and the University of South Florida.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Gina
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Breathe. You're not alone, and there are mentors out there. If there's a profession that you are just passionate and inspired about, try to find a woman in that profession. Try it, do ride time, volunteer, find somebody. You don't have to do it by yourself. You need to network. You do need some help. You can do anything you want, you just have to figure out a way. I don't get whatever I want, I just don't stop until I get it.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My three that I preach non-stop is perseverance: continue, continue, and you do not give up. If you fall down, get back up. Patience: I'm still working on that one. Things happen for a reason and sometimes you have to wait a little bit longer. Positivity: being positive and optimistic. If you start off positive it goes a lot farther.
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