Every time you hear the word “firefighter” instead of “fireman” – think of Brenda Berkman, who permanently changed the face of firefighting, one of the most traditionally male-dominated professions, nationally and internationally. A trailblazer for women in non-traditional employment, she won the federal sex discrimination lawsuit in 1982 that changed history by changing the face of what a firefighter looked like. She has founded and led several national organizations of women firefighters and has relentlessly fought sexism and gender stereotypes. She was the first woman firefighter to serve on several committees of the National Fire Protection Association.
Brenda Berkman is a Board Member of “Monumental Women,” the organization responsible for putting the Women’s Rights Pioneer Monument in New York City’s Central Park. The monument, depicting Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton is the first statue in Central Park dedicated to actual women. Previously, the only females depicted in statues in Central Park were fictional – Alice in Wonderland, Mother Goose and Juliet (with Romeo).
Brenda Berkman will make three diverse presentations during Convention Days that are free and open to the public.
- Sisters in the Brotherhood: Changing the Face of Firefighting –Friday, July 21, 2:00 pm, The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St.
- Breaking the Bronze Ceiling — Monumental Women’s 7-year Campaign to Put The Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument in New York City’s Central Park – Saturday, July 22, Noon, The Gould Hotel, 108 Fall St.
- Discrimination & Public Criticism: A Conversation with Brenda Berkman. Moderator: Jen Gabriel, Executive Director, National Women’s Hall of Fame – Saturday, July 22, 4:00 pm, National Women’s Hall of Fame.Capt. Berkman’s pioneering efforts have been recognized through the many awards she has received including: The Susan B. Anthony Award from the National Organization of Women (NOW-NYC); The Woman of Courage Award from the National Organization of Women; Ms. Foundation Gloria Award; National Women’s Law Center honoree; New York Women’s Foundation Woman of Achievement Award; “Daughter of Greatness” honoree from the Muhammad Ali Center; New York University’s 2019 “Changemaker;” and the St. Olaf College Distinguished Alumni Award. In 1996-1997 she was the first professional firefighter to be awarded a White House Fellowship.
