Maggie Castro
Maggie Castro is a dedicated Firefighter/Paramedic with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, bringing nearly three decades of experience in emergency response, public safety, and medical instruction. She began her career in healthcare and education, teaching CPR and basic life support through Baptist Health South Florida in 1996, and has remained committed to lifesaving education ever since. Over the years, she advanced her training by completing EMT, paramedic, and fire service education, ultimately building a career centered on service, readiness, and community protection.
Throughout her career, Maggie has played a vital role in high-pressure emergency and disaster response situations. She served as both a Public Information Officer and Spanish-language family liaison during the 2021 Surfside building collapse response, providing critical communication and compassionate support to affected families. This experience further strengthened her dedication to the human side of emergency services, including mental health advocacy for both survivors and first responders.
In addition to her operational work, Maggie is an active member of her department’s peer support team, where she helps fellow firefighters navigate the emotional demands of the profession. She is passionate about building confidence, resilience, and self-reliance within the workforce, and is especially committed to supporting and encouraging women in fire and rescue careers. Her work reflects a deep belief in service, teamwork, and leaving the profession stronger for the next generation.
• Eastern Kentucky University
• Baptist Health
• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
• Department Peer Support Team
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep passion for making a difference in someone’s worst moment. Even after being turned away from the fire service at first, I stayed determined and found my way back through hard work and persistence. What drives me every day is being a calm, capable presence in a crisis and knowing that showing up with skill and empathy can truly change someone’s outcome.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this field to be confident in who you are and commit to building both physical and mental strength. This job demands resilience and self-reliance, but it’s just as important to recognize when you need support. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and ask for help after tough calls — taking care of your mental health is part of being strong, not a sign of weakness.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life center on helping others and making a meaningful impact. I believe strongly in prioritizing mental health, building confidence and self-reliance in those around me, and supporting people so they can grow into their full potential. It’s also important to me to leave the service better than I found it, especially by helping create stronger paths forward for the women who come after me.