Women2WomenSummer2019 - 21

ANOTHER ROLE THAT HAS NO TRUE
UNIFORM IS A 'MOM'. TELL US HOW
YOU FIT THIS IN AND WHAT YOU'RE
DOING TO DEVELOP MORE YOUNG
WOMEN LEADERS IN YOUR HOME.
Alicia M. - I don't have kids, but I believe that a career in law
enforcement will equip me with the tools I need to tackle any
obstacle that presents itself. Being in law enforcement takes a lot
of grit. Parenting is difficult in and of itself, so adding a badge
only intensifies the duties of a mom on and off the job.
Nicole - I have 2 kids, Thomas who is 3 years old and Lillian
who is 1. My schedule is tough but now that I have a set
schedule, home life is a little easier. Making sure everything is
ready to go the night before work for me and the kids, cuddling
in the morning before work, and normal mom stuff and playing
afterward; no matter how tired I am. I hope that my kids see my
work ethic, my compassion for others, and dedication for family
every day so that they learn to have the same priorities when they
are grown.
Heather - In my early years
as a mom my job allowed
me more time to watch
my daughter grow, but as
she got older and more
active I noticed that my
administrator role made
my schedule unpredictable.
I took the step back
from administration and
now enjoy family time
and vacations while still
enjoying patient care as a
paramedic. I finally found
Heather Allwein Staley
balance. I mentor young
Resides in Reading
EMTs and explain that
Paramedic - Eagleville, PA
balance is the key.
Volunteer Firefighter -
Chester County, PA

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE YOUNG
WOMEN WHO WANT TO TAKE ON
A ROLE THAT IS 'NORMALLY'
MALE DOMINATED?
Alicia M. - Being committed to your education both on and
off the streets is key to a successful career in law enforcement.
The critical elements of this job involve street smarts, mental
toughness, and intestinal fortitude. Physical fitness is also key
in keeping a healthy state of mind on and off the job. Most
importantly believe in
yourself and never let
someone tell you "You can't."
Nicole - My main advice to
younger women is to have
faith in yourself. Life does
get better and when you
need help, ask for it and get
it. You're worth it. Whatever
your passion is, then you can
do better than anyone in that
field. It doesn't hurt to have
a strong female influence
in your life in the same
profession either.

Nicole Missimer
Alycia A. - A few years after
Resides in Fleetwood
I joined the military and
EMT, Penn State Hershey Life Lion
EMS Berks Division
after enduring some of the
difficulties as being a woman
in the military, I started focusing on helping and mentoring
young women coming up in the military ranks. Dealing with
some of the stigmas of being a female sailor was hard for me and
I wanted to assist other women going through the same process.
I have mentored countless women and continue to do so as I
think we should be raising one another up instead of knocking
each other down. 2
By Rachael Romig

Alycia A. - A woman
(in my opinion) seems to
have it more difficult trying
to be a career woman, a mom, a volunteer, a spouse...
I do everything possible to make sure that when I am at work I
focus on my work, when I am at home I am focused on my home
and sometimes one needs more focus than the other. Woman
need to support each other. My balanced life between all of
that wouldn't be possible if I wasn't surrounded by amazing
women in my life. And now I strive to be that for other
women and teach others to do the same.

berkswomen2women.com 21
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