Karen Slider her journey with the LAFD

Blazing Trails and Breaking Norms: The Legacy of Karen Lasley SliderIn this episode of 'Blazing Trails and Breaking Norms,' guest host d'Lisa Davies, a retired fire captain, interviews Karen Lasley Slider, the second Black female firefighter for the City of Los Angeles and a retired firefighter paramedic. Karen shares her challenging journey to becoming a firefighter, recounting her experiences in the male-dominated field, her determination in overcoming physical and systemic barriers, and her impactful contributions such as advocating for better family support policies and recruitment of more women in the fire service. The podcast provides a candid look into her life, the challenges faced by African American women in firefighting, and the importance of representation and support from within the community.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:03 Meet Karen Lasley Slider01:26 Karen's Journey to Becoming a Firefighter03:49 Challenges and Determination06:37 Medical Background and Family Support09:18 Fire Station Life and Gender Dynamics16:07 Contributions and Policy Changes19:22 Hair Standards and Personal Experiences21:45 Defying Expectations: Writing the Rules22:21 Mentorship and Training Challenges23:58 Proving Competence Under Pressure25:33 Celebrating Women in Fire Service27:13 Reflections on Career and Contributions30:39 Life After Retirement34:56 Addressing PTSD and Mental Health38:39 Final Thoughts and Future Hopes39:48 Visit the African American Firefighting MuseumCreators & Guests D'Lisa Davies - Host Karen Slider - Guest Sydney Breakfield - Designer Michael Slider - Producer