10Q Series

Women in the Field of
Emergency Management
Dee Grimm

Dee Grimm RN

President/CEO,
Tenebo Enterprises

Saint Hedwig, Texas, USA

1. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?

I started as an emergency department nurse and manager and was asked to take over the emergency preparedness planning for the hospital. After 8 years as a healthcare Emergency Management Director, I branched out on my own to work as a consultant and trainer. I was tremendously fortunate to have people who trusted me and gave me a chance to succeed. If they didn’t doubt me, how could i doubt myself?

2. WHAT PROJECT OR ACHIEVEMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I was very proud of being the Project Manager for the State of Nevada’s Mass Care, Evacuation and Sheltering plans, and their statewide Mass Fatality plans. But I am also proud of my work for disability inclusion and health equity in disasters. I have served as the Project Manager for multiple projects to ensure inclusion of marginalized populations in disaster planning and response and I believe that to be the most relevant work I do.

3. WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE A ROADBLOCK FOR WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY?

Old school mentalities and biases. The emergency management field has a proportionately higher level of testosterone and professional bias in it than other fields and woman struggle to constantly prove their value and relevance.

4. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN GETTING THEIR START IN THE FIELD?

Don’t be afraid to go for anything you want. You miss 100% of the shots you never take.

5. WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR BUILDING A POSITIVE TEAM CULTURE?

Absolutely it is social and health equity for marginalized and underserved populations in disasters. While disasters don’t discriminate, society does. It is critical that we utilize whole community concepts to ensure we are planning for every member of our society.

6. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ADVANCING DIVERSITY IN THE INDUSTRY?

Oh lots. The Unthinkable by Amanda Ripley, 5 Days at Memorial, 102 Minutes, are all great “lessons learned” books for me

7. AS COMPANIES IN THE INDUSTRY INCREASE THEIR EFFORT TO RECRUIT MORE WOMEN, WHAT ARE SOME WAYS COMPANIES CAN SUPPORT RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION EFFORTS?

You meet the same people coming down the ladder of success that you meet going up, so be careful who’s fingers you step on the way up. This is a small industry; it can be competitive, and I have never found back biting to be successful. I believe in win-win. We all have ups and downs in our careers, and we should be mindful of the relationships we build along the way.

8. HOW DO YOU STAY ENGAGED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY?

Getting out and talking to people, attending conferences and other social opportunities gives me a chance to hear what people are thinking, what they are concerned about. I also do a lot of training and it is important to listen to what your attendees are saying, not just spewing your wealth of knowledge at them.

9. ANY TIPS FOR WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

Yes, have some! Pursue your passion, not your pension. I am so fortunate that my passion helps with my pension, but if it didn’t, I wouldn’t do it for one minute. Life is too short to look back and say “I wish I had” or realize you never enjoyed any of what you did. In my spare time (haha) I am an artist, and I don’t give a hang if i am any good or not, it’s my relaxing place.

10. WHAT'S A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW?

in addition to run my consulting business i am also a Mayor and Municipal Court Judge, which I love. I love the diversity and the ability to intersect governance, law and emergency management.