SciGirls Role Models: Kate Heckaman, Firefighter

Being able to put your life on the line for others takes strength, and Kate Heckaman is the perfect example of a strong woman in STEM. She comes from a long line of firefighters, but becoming a Paramedic and Firefighter with the Saint Paul Fire Department wasn’t her first choice. Originally, Kate was an Occupational Therapist at a hospital, working with patients who have suffered debilitating health issues. Her commitment to caring for hospital patients and her motivation to help others in times of need sparked a career change to firefighting.

She had always been motivated and competitive, but firefighting added more adrenaline and on-the-spot thinking to her life. Firefighting also revolves around working on a team and relying on that teamwork in times of emergency. As a public servant, Kate is constantly out in the community in the most unexpected situations. But she also is a true Minnesotan hockey fan, both as a former player and a coach. Although Kate is one of only a few women in the field, there are many opportunities for training and classes that women are taking across Minnesota. This STEM career, and many others, are constantly evolving with education.

Want to keep the inspiration flowing? Check out additional profiles of Minnesota women in STEM careers.

SciGirls is TPT’s National Science Foundation-funded program that engages girls (and boys!), families and educators nationwide around science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. By combining an Emmy Award-winning PBS series, multiple websites, hands-on activities and professional development workshops, SciGirls reaches millions on-the-air, online and in communities, inspiring the next generation of STEM superstars.