Course Description:

This highly interactive presentation is designed to empower female firefighters with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective and ethical use of social media. Participants will explore the landscape of key social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok, understanding their unique characteristics and potential use. The session emphasizes the importance of a well-devised social media strategy and explores the principles of strong communication in a digital environment. It includes practical tips on creating engaging content, managing challenges like negative comments and privacy issues, and strategies to maintain a positive online reputation. thoughts and experiences. The overall goal is to empower women firefighters to use social media effectively and ethically through new skills to navigate any challenges that may arise.

Instructor(s):

Kristy-Lynn Pankhurst, Fire Prevention Inspector, Scugog Fire & Emergency Services

As a dedicated Community Outreach and Professional Development Officer, Kristy-Lynn Pankhurst combines a passion for strategic communication with a commitment to advancing fire & life safety education and firefighter training in the Township of Scugog. Kristy-Lynn holds an undergraduate degree in Communication and Digital Media Studies from Ontario Tech University, and she is currently pursuing her Master of Education in World Indigenous Studies in Education at Queen’s University.

Kristy-Lynn serves on the Board of Directors of Fire Service Women Ontario. As a mother to a young daughter, she remains dedicated to advancing FSWO’s mission to encourage, educate and empower women in the Fire Service. In 2020, Kristy-Lynn was injured during a propane explosion while fighting a house fire and she has become an advocate for First Responder mental health, sharing her story of resilience and recovery after a near miss.

Kathryn Hendrick, Principal Consultant, Kathryn Hendrick Communications

Kathy Hendrick is a former journalist and a seasoned publicist known for her dedication to good causes. With an extensive background in communications, Kathy has spearheaded numerous successful campaigns for national institutions, including the communications leadership for the design and construction of the National Firefighter Memorial in Ottawa.

As the founding Director of Communications for the Canadian Fallen Firefighter Foundation, she has played a pivotal role in honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters across the country for almost 15 years.

Kathy has held executive positions within various healthcare institutions, including hospitals, the Canadian AIDS Society, the Canadian Institute for Health Information, and the Canadian Critical Care Society. Her commitment to advocacy has led her to collaborate with multiple organizations, championing causes such as reducing the stigma and prevalence of HIV/AIDS, increasing physical activity levels in Canadians, ALS medical research, and classifying traumatic brain injury as a long-term chronic condition, among many others.

Kathy is the principal consultant at Kathryn Hendrick Communications and continues to strive for lasting impact on important causes in Canada. Her expertise in media relations and strategic communications has allowed her to provide support to Fire Service Women Ontario as an annual sponsor for the past decade.

With a diverse portfolio of experience and a relentless drive to empower good people and great causes, Kathy Hendrick is an established leader in the world of public relations.