Patricia Day, FPEM-HC

I attribute my success to the tremendous support system that surrounded me during some of the most challenging periods of my life. When I was facing personal difficulties and unsure of my next steps, I began volunteering with the County Emergency Management Office. The people there believed in me before I fully believed in myself. They encouraged me to look at emergency plans with fresh eyes, to ask questions, and to see preparedness through a new lens and that’s where I discovered my passion.

They reminded me that I could learn anything I was willing to work for. They pushed me to take classes, pursue training, and apply what I learned in real‑world situations. Through frequent deployments and opportunities to train with FEMA, the Center for Domestic Preparedness, and other organizations, I was able to grow through both theory and hands‑on experience.

My ability to develop and execute healthcare emergency plans comes from that combination of continuous learning, practical application, and the unwavering support of people who saw potential in me at a time when I was still finding my path.

The best career advice I ever received came from the county emergency manager I volunteered with when I first started out. He told me, “You can learn everything you want. You can take all the classes you like but you must put it into practice.”

That guidance shaped my entire approach to emergency management. It taught me that training and planning are only the beginning. Real growth happens when you test yourself, the plan, evaluate exercises, and see how systems function in real‑world conditions. A plan may look perfect on paper, but until you apply it, observe it, and refine it, you don’t truly know its strengths or its gaps.

That philosophy pairing continuous learning with hands‑on application has been the foundation of my 15‑year career. It’s what drives me to keep improving, keep evaluating, and keep ensuring that the plans we write work for the people who depend on them.

My advice to young women entering emergency management is to trust that you belong in every room you step into even the ones that feel intimidating at first. This field can be fast‑paced, technical, and demanding, but it is also full of opportunities to grow, lead, and make a real impact on communities.

Seek out mentors who challenge you, support you, and help you see your potential from angles you may not recognize yet. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, volunteer for assignments, or take on tasks that stretch your comfort zone. Some of the most valuable lessons come from stepping into unfamiliar situations and learning as you go.

Remember that training and education are important, but confidence comes from applying what you learn. Evaluate exercises, participate in deployments, and observe how plans work in real time. That hands‑on experience will sharpen your instincts and strengthen your voice.

Most importantly, give yourself permission to grow at your own pace. You don’t have to know everything on day one. What matters is your willingness to learn, your commitment to the mission, and your belief that your perspective as a woman and as a professional adds value to the field.

One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in public health emergency management today is rebuilding strong community engagement. Public health has gone through a major shift in recent years, and while that has created obstacles, it has also opened the door for more meaningful outreach.

Behind the scenes, professionals like me are still connecting with community groups, schools, and faith‑based organizations to help people understand how to prepare themselves and their families. The real opportunity lies in empowering individuals with simple, practical steps that make a big difference during emergencies.

While public health infrastructure is stretched, the chance to strengthen community resilience is greater than ever. When people understand the basics from keeping emergency contacts written down to having backup power options they become partners in preparedness, reducing the burden on response systems and improving outcomes for everyone.

I value service, integrity, and continuous learning. In both my work and personal life, I’m driven by a commitment to protecting communities, doing what’s right even when no one is watching, and always growing through new experiences. I believe in resilience, empathy, and building strong connections because preparedness is ultimately about people, not plans.