meet the women of lion dedicated to ensuring the best gear fit for female firefighters
In the firefighting industry, the development of turnout gear, uniforms, and essentials specifically tailored for women marks a significant advancement. This progress is driven by the dedication and expertise of women at LION. LION has made strides in creating female-specific patterns and products, such as shorter coat lengths and increased coat sweeps, as well as options in other categories like firefighter essentials. For example, LION offers gloves with cadet sizing for shorter fingers and helmets that fit a broader range of head sizes. These innovations ensure that female firefighters have gear that fits well, functions effectively, and enhances their safety and confidence. Let's meet the dynamic women leading LION's product development and management teams, paving the way to provide female first responders with firefighter PPE and uniform solutions designed to meet their specific fit and comfort needs.
karen lehtonen - global vp of innovation & product development
Karen's career in the fire service sector began in a lab testing firefighter PPE. Her roles at LION have consistently focused on innovating and developing solutions for first responder PPE, underpinned by a strong understanding of NFPA standards. As the Global Vice President of Innovation and Product Development, Karen leads projects to solve design challenges, work on product certification, and interact with customers to ensure their needs are met.
Early in her career, Karen faced challenges in accessing feedback from female firefighters. Today, balancing protection and comfort for various body shapes and sizes remains a challenge, but increased customer engagement helps refine the fit and functionality of the gear. Karen's team has developed modernized female uniform patterns and innovations that enhance mobility and flexibility in turnout gear.
Karen believes that increased awareness and education are crucial for addressing the challenges faced by female firefighters. She anticipates more development and offerings tailored to women as research and customer feedback drive innovation. Karen encourages women to be passionate, get involved, and be patient, emphasizing the importance of making a significant impact through incremental changes.
alysha gray - director of product management for technical garments
With a career rooted in product management, Alysha transitioned from creating products for moms and babies to serving first responders at LION. Her dedication to making the right products at the right price and quality drives her work in developing turnout gear for female firefighters.
In her role with LION, Alysha engages with customers and field sales teams to understand their needs. She collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop, test, and launch new products, ensuring they meet the specific requirements of female firefighters. Alysha highlights the challenge of spreading awareness about the availability of female-specific patterns. Custom sizing and continuous feedback from female firefighters are key to improving these designs. LION's female-specific patterns are designed based on ongoing research and feedback.
Alysha's team is committed to continuously improving these products. She observes a growing awareness of the availability of female-specific turnout gear, driven by the increasing population of female firefighters. Alysha advises women to work hard, be passionate, and love what they do, finding joy and fulfillment in serving the firefighting community and emphasizing the importance of listening to their needs.
liberty malenich - senior director of product management for essentials
With 30 years in marketing and product management, Liberty joined LION five years ago to work with trusted colleagues and take on new challenges. She now oversees essentials like helmets, hoods, gloves, and boots, ensuring these products meet the unique needs of end users.
Liberty's role as Director of Product Management for Essentials involves leading cross-functional teams to deliver trusted and valuable products. Her day includes analyzing sales performance, brainstorming improvements, and leading small groups to resolve issues. She notes the difficulty in fitting women's narrower feet and the need for more scientific data and standards to improve glove patterns and other essentials.
Liberty supports research to re-evaluate glove patterns using real-world data. Focus groups and field trials that include female firefighters play a crucial role in gathering feedback and driving product improvements. Liberty acknowledges the industry's recognition of gender-specific issues and the importance of open conversations to drive meaningful change. She sees the industry recognizing the strength and power of women and working to remove barriers. Liberty inspires women to bring their best and emphasizes the importance of female representation in the field to drive positive change.
christina parise - senior product manager for uniforms
Christina's background in fashion design and product development, especially for female apparel, led her to develop uniforms for public safety professionals. Her expertise in garment construction and passion for creating well-fitting clothing drives her work at LION.
As Senior Product Manager for Uniforms, Christina stays in constant communication with sales teams, suppliers, and end-users. She reviews prototypes, collaborates on fabric and trim development, and conducts focus groups to gather feedback for continuous improvement. Christina emphasizes the complexity of designing garments for various female body types, focusing on creating pants and shirts that accommodate different bust, hip, and waist sizes to ensure a proper fit.
Christina conducts female-only focus groups to gather honest feedback and understand specific challenges. This feedback informs the development of functional and flattering uniforms. Christina emphasizes the need to continue addressing the needs of female first responders and expanding female-specific offerings. Inclusion in more conversations will help drive this progress. Christina finds satisfaction in developing products that keep public safety workers safe and confident. She encourages women to use their talents in purposeful work.
conclusion
The development of turnout gear and firefighter essentials for women is an evolving field. The dedicated efforts of professionals like Karen, Alysha, Liberty, and Christina ensure that female firefighters have gear that fits well, functions effectively, and enhances their safety and confidence. Their insights and innovations play a crucial role in shaping the future of firefighter PPE, making it more inclusive and effective for all, ensuring all first responders are READY FOR ACTION.
© 2024 LION Group, Inc.
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