On March 8 we celebrate International Women's Day. This is a day to celebrate the achievements of women, and those who identify as women, worldwide and serves as a call to action to for gender equality and the empowerment of women.
"The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." - Gloria Steinem
As noted in the 2023-24 Strategic Plan, BCEHS filled three key positions that were identified as priorities to help drive positive cultural changes. These roles all focus on people, diversity, and culture, aligning with BCEHS' People Plan—a three-year strategy that focuses on the organization's commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and ending anti-Indigenous racism.
According to a Statistics Canada report on women middle and senior managers published in October 2024, studies show that having more women in top management roles can lead to a more innovative and strong company culture. However, data from the 2021 Census also showed that, despite some progress, women are still underrepresented in management, holding just 30.8% of senior management positions as of 2021.
While it's common to see a lack of representation in senior leadership roles, at BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), we're proud to report that over 70% of our senior leadership team identify as women.
Let's meet some of the women leaders on our Executive Leadership Team.
As Chief Ambulance Officer, Leanne leads the BCEHS executive team with six people reporting to her. She is one of four women on the Executive Leadership Team.
Leanne has over 20 years of senior leadership experience, including with Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health and previously held an operational leadership role with the BC Ambulance Service. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Victoria and her Masters in Nursing degree from UBC. She also has Masters in Leadership degree from Royal Roads University and a Doctorate of Business Administration.
Since joining BCEHS for the second time in her career in July 2021, Leanne has been leading the organization through a period of significant change and challenges. Leanne has focused on caring for both the mental and physical wellbeing of BCEHS staff, as well as making sure our workplaces are more inclusive, free from racism and safe and welcoming for everyone.
A compassionate leader, Leanne believes it is important to recognize the many people at BCEHS who go above and beyond every day to make a real difference for the people of British Columbia. She tirelessly advocates for improvements at BCEHS at all levels.
"On International Women's Day, I'm incredibly proud to be part of a team that includes so many strong and effective women leaders. It's a powerful reminder of the progress we've made in creating more opportunities for women in leadership, and I'm excited to work alongside such talented and inspiring women."
"As a female leader in healthcare, I'm proud to help ensure women are respected, valued, and empowered. This day reminds us that progress happens when we support each other and keep working to break down barriers especially for those women on our frontlines."
Jennie Helmer started her career with BCEHS in 1993 as a paramedic and was mentored by the legendary Rosalind MacPhee. Over the years, Jennie has held various roles, including unit chief, advanced care paramedic, paramedic specialist, and paramedic practice leader.
In 2021, she became the director of clinical operations, where she worked on improving staffing, developing new care pathways, and building strong partnerships with hospitals to improve emergency response. In 2022, Jennie was promoted to senior executive director of emergency dispatch and clinical operations. She has a Bachelor of Commerce, a Master of Education, a Master of Business Administration, and is currently working on her PhD in Population and Public Health.
In January 2024, Jennie became the Chief Operations Officer and an integral member of the executive leadership team. The story of her journey to becoming an executive leader was detailed in this story celebrating our 50th anniversary. She sees courage as learning to speak up when something isn't right and to fight for the things that matter. She calmly and firmly exercises these traits as she helps to move BCEHS forward.
"International Women's Day is a celebration of the strength and resilience of every woman—every female paramedic, dispatcher, call-taker, and leader at BCEHS", says Jennie. "It's a day for me to reflect on and honour the courage, creativity, and compassion of the trailblazing women who worked tirelessly in the past, paving the way for our progress toward a more equitable world."
Dr. Sandra Jenneson has worked in many different roles with BCEHS, most recently as the Chief Medical Officer. In 2001, she was hired into an occupational first aid role at the Keremeos ambulance station. From 2001 to 2009 she worked as a unit chief and primary care paramedic in Boston Bar and the Fraser Valley. After leaving BCEHS, Sandra went on to complete medical school and residency, earned her emergency medicine specialist designation in 2015, with a sub-specialty in emergency health services. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at UBC and works as an emergency physician with the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) Task Force 1.
Sandra says that first and foremost, she feels incredibly lucky to work alongside such amazingly talented and dedicated people at BCEHS. "My colleagues teach me, guide me, and humble me with their greatness every single day."
For Sandra, "International Women's Day is a time to reflect on both progress and reflect on the work still ahead. It's an opportunity to celebrate how far we've come while recognizing the challenges we still face. The gender pay gap is still present in both medical and non-medical fields across Canada. This gap isn't because women work fewer hours or aren't efficient; it's the result of systemic biases and societal structures."
Special Note – Aggie Peel, is currently on parental leave, and therefore wasn't able to participate in this story.
In a feature story celebrating our 50th anniversary on Aggie and Shifting Culture, Aggie said "Representation matters. Women's faces, voices, and experiences really matter so that future generations of women can see themselves in the BCEHS uniform and in the role – and they can aspire to that."
In the feature, Aggie emphasizes "It isn't just enough for women to speak up – allies and men need to stop talking and give space to women to have their voices heard. We need allies. We can't do this on our own."
BCEHS is committed to the ongoing effort of advancing gender equity. Through diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, policies, and everyday actions, we strive to build a workplace where everyone—regardless of gender—feels valued, empowered, and supported.
Today and every day, BCEHS celebrates the contributions of all women throughout our organization. Together, we can all #AccelerateAction toward gender equality.
