Women In Homeland Security

Betty Ann Ong, a native of San Francisco, was a 14-year veteran of American Airlines and served as head flight attendant. The morning of Sept. 11, Ong responded with courage and professionalism. Shortly after hijackers overtook the plane, she placed a call to the American Airlines reservation desk and reported, “The cockpit is not answering. Somebody's stabbed in business class, and, um, I think there's Mace and we can't breathe. I don't know, I think we are getting hijacked.” Ong remained on the phone for 23 minutes, communicating the critical information her fellow flight attendants relayed to her until the plane crashed into the North Tower at 8:46 a.m. Her calm, detailed report provided vital information that helped authorities understand the unfolding attacks, leading to the unprecedented closure of U.S. airspace. Ong was 45 years old. This Asian American and Pacific Islander History Month, we remember her professionalism, composure, and bravery. #ClaimsKrewe #AsianAmericanAndPacificIslanderHistoryMonth

What does real-world drone response actually look like in the field? In our latest WOMEN DRONERESPONDERS interview, the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team shares how they support public safety during disasters, often deploying within 30 minutes to establish critical communications and aerial awareness. From large-scale events like Mardi Gras to search and rescue missions, one thing is clear: Drones are only as effective as the communications behind them. During one search and rescue operation, teams helped locate a missing child after 49 hours by combining drone operations with real-time connectivity, enabling responders to coordinate efforts, eliminate search areas, and act faster. It underscores the role of reliable communications in turning drone capabilities into actionable intelligence. Thank you to our host Amy T. Wiegand and her guests, Danielle Warner and Tetoya Gibson, MPA. Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/edvvDUPD

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We're excited to announce that the 2nd annual Women DRONERESPONDERS Reception will be held on March 10 at 6 PM at The DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg, proudly sponsored by AX ENTERPRIZE, LLC. Join fellow women leaders, operators, and advocates in public safety UAS for an evening of networking, inspiration, and celebration as part of the DRONERESPONDERS National Public Safety UAS Conference (NACON).  🚨What's more... AX Enterprize is generously sponsoring 15 women with full conference scholarships (full NACON passes) to attend this premier 2-day educational event, the leading gathering for public safety and emergency management professionals advancing aviation technology. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow in this dynamic field. Email Amy T. Wiegand to secure your scholarship opportunity! (Reserved for public safety officials.) We hope to see you there!

Another great WOMEN DRONERESPONDERS interview with Justine Hollingshead with North Carolina State University. Follow Justine’s evolution in drones and public safety. https://lnkd.in/eDXpp_en Thanks to Amy T. Wiegand, DRONERESPONDERS Board of Advisors for moderating these great interviews.

The First Edition of the Terrorism Prevention Quarterly is launching tomorrow! Sign up now for the series focused on stopping violence before it happens. This work matters. Targeted violence—whether hate-driven, grievance-based, or terrorist in nature—is preventable, and a growing community of practitioners is proving it every day. Huge thanks to Editor-at-Large William Braniff for helping shape a first edition grounded in evidence, practice, and real-world prevention—not just reaction. 📬 The inaugural issue drops tomorrow (2/6) at 2 PM. Sign up now and be part of the prevention community. https://lnkd.in/eSeKHEJw Read the Prevention Beat here: https://lnkd.in/egChvAE8 Kristina Tanasichuk Kalyna White Dexter Ingram Theodore Warner Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL) Mubin Shaikh Parents For Peace

EMEAA international member, Amanda Coleman developed this insightful and essential survey on The Role of Women in Crisis Management and Resilience. The survey takes about five minutes to complete, but the research gathered here can educate and inform us for years to come. We encourage all emergency managers to invest five minutes now to shape a stronger tomorrow. Amanda describes the survey as, "What are the lived experiences of those working in crisis response and are they the same regardless of gender? The survey aims to identify the experiences and analyze what they mean for the profession today and importantly in the future. If a new generation are to be encouraged into the emergency response world and will remain what are the conditions that are needed. The survey aims to give a position in 2025 with a view to tracking any changes in the coming years as well as identifying any areas for further research or action. The survey will be open until the end of September and results will be shared later this year." #emeaa #emergencymanagement #womeninemergencymanagement https://lnkd.in/etG3XQfQ