About Us
Our Vision
Advancing women leaders in Alberta’s public safety community
our history
In early 2016, then Assistant Deputy Minister of Status of Women Alberta, Kim Armstrong, sought to bring together executive women in policing in the Province for a discussion on the issues unique to women in policing in Alberta. At that time, she reached out to the three large police agencies in the Province and invited women at the senior leadership level to meet. At that first meeting, there were 12 women, four from each agency. The most startling realization from the first meeting was that none of the women knew each other prior to that day. It was quickly evident from the beginning that there was a strong desire to continue meeting and to formalize the group in some way.
From those early beginnings, it was apparent that there was much work to do to organize the group in a more formal way and create a vision for what we wanted to be and what we hoped to achieve. With the ongoing support of A/DM Armstrong and Status of Women and the help of our facilitator, Jen Beyer from the Community Development Unit of the Province of Alberta, we have been able to solidify our vision for AWIPS and begin doing work to advance that vision.
Our mission
AWIPS supports, connects and mentors women across agencies and advocates for women in Alberta’s public safety community.
Our Colours
Our Goals
Corporate Partnerships
Our executives
Carolyn Lloy
Chair
I have been a Member of the RCMP since 2000 working in Alberta and the NWT. My career has varied between General Duty police operations, major crime and serious persons-crimes investigations, emergency management and emergency operations, training and Criminal Operations. For years, I contributed to my communities by volunteering in various roles with Boards who governed non-profit entities. In 2021, after moving back to Alberta, I sought something stimulating which would channel my experiences and afford opportunities to network with other professionals who shared my interest in and commitment to public safety. The AWIPS Vision, Mission and Goals attracted me, so, I joined the Board as their Secretary. Since then I have been inspired and motivated by the women I have met and volunteered with. As the Chair of AWIPS, and I am excited to lead our Board through some fantastic initiatives and I am committed to the continued growth and development of Alberta’s Women in Pubic Safety.
Kerri Firza
Treasurer
Kerri Firza (M.A.) has been a civilian employee with the Calgary Police Service since 2012, and currently works as a Business Strategist the Bureau of Community Policing. Her role is to apply a strategic lens to operational policing, which includes reporting on risk, audits, bureau workplans, decision requests and the Annual Policing Plan. She is a strong supporter of women in leadership, and is the Co-Chair of the Calgary Women in Policing group that seeks to create a network of women, those who identify as women, and male allies to understand the way women experience work in a law enforcement setting. She is married and has two children (7 and 20), two dogs (the small, fluffy type) and a hamster named Marshmallow J. Peepers. As the Treasurer of AWIPS, she will be the contact for financial payments/reconciliation.
Kristin Appleton
Secretary
Constable Kristin Appleton is a 21-year member of the RCMP currently on secondment with the Alberta Government, Hate Crime Coordination Unit (HCCU). Over her career, she has been posted to General Duty, KARE Counter Exploitation Unit, Drug Unit, Federal and Serious Organized Crime Section and the Integrated Enforcement Team. She has a passion to bring to light the issues of hate crime and incidents within the Province and to develop strategies for education and awareness both within law enforcement and communities to foster deeper understanding and acceptance inclusive of ALL Albertans. Cst. Appleton is an active member of the K Division Commanding Officers Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Group. Cst. Appleton has been a member of AWIPS for two years and is excited to serve on the executive board.
Laurie Staniforth
Vice Chair
I have been with the Alberta Sheriffs since 2013. Prior to this, I spent 17 years employed with the Correctional Service of Canada, having worked at both Saskatchewan Penitentiary and Edmonton Institution for Women. While with CSC, was involved in the K9 handler program, a crisis negotiator and a member of the critical incident stress management team. After changing career paths with the Sheriffs, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2016 and Inspector in 2021. Overseeing the daily operations within Court Security Services division in the north regionals has allowed me to develop my skillset and strengthen communications with stakeholders. Mentorship and personal/professional growth are important to me. In developing myself, have found the desire to want to assist others in achieving their own career goals.
Marcia Gonder
Past Chair
Our Board
Marissa Nemish
Website and Memberships
Marissa has been with the Alberta Sheriffs for 9 years. Marissa is the Inspector of Recruitment and Staffing Unit for the Alberta Sheriffs. In her free time she loves fishing, hiking, walking her three dogs and spending time with her husband in the mountains.
Angie Tetley
Training and Webinars
She has been a member of Calgary Police Service for over 20 years and a member of AWIPS since 2021. She loves skiing, rugby, hunting, and being outside with her amazing husband and inspiring daughters.
Cindy Kieu
Mentorship
Cindy Kieu is the Director of Edmonton Police Service’s Procurement & Contract Services Branch. She is an experienced and trusted legal advisor to governments and regulatory agencies. Cindy is also an advocate and a community leader who has served in various leadership capacity with agencies, boards, and professional associations, including the Alberta Women in Public Safety, the Alberta Safety Code Council, the National Aboriginal Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association, and the Nunavut Law Foundation.
Kinsi Steiger
Social Media
She has been a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service for the past 13 years. She has worked in patrols, training, and the Safe Family Intervention Team. She is also the lead Firearms Instructor and member of the Recruiting Team. In her spare time she loves to camp, play softball and coach at her local boxing club.
Erin Blackmore
Awards
Erin Blackmore is not only a dedicated community peace officer with 9 years of experience serving the City of Edmonton but also an avid advocate for active living and community involvement. Born and raised in Edmonton, AB, Erin’s journey has been defined by a passion for service, inclusivity, and empowering others.
In addition to her career in law enforcement, Erin enjoys being active through various activities such as working out, paddle boarding, swimming, and taking her beloved German Shorthaired Pointer, Penelope, for walks. She finds fulfillment in staying physically active and embracing the outdoors.
Beyond her personal pursuits, Erin actively volunteers at Amiskwaciy Academy, working with at-risk youth. Her commitment to giving back to her community and supporting those in need underscores her dedication to fostering a safer and more inclusive society.
Erin’s multifaceted approach to life, combining her professional expertise with her passion for active living and community involvement, reflects her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact both on and off duty.
Lori Bailey
Grants
Lori values working with learners, while coaching and mentoring continuous faculty and casual instructors at the college. She is passionate about respectful workplaces, healthy organizational culture(s), and considers herself a lifelong learner. Lori above all, values teamwork, and opportunity for others to grow and develop not only personally but professionally as well.
When Lori is not putting small fires out on a daily basis at work, she loves to spend time with her dogs Harvey and Louis, she loves travelling with her husband and looks forward to the few months of summer we have to be out in her garden.
Connect with Lori via email: lbailey@bowvalleycollege.ca
Kirn Minhas
Marketing/Promotions
Bringing over 16 years of expertise in Public Safety and Emergency Services, Kirn Minhas is a seasoned Senior Probation Officer deeply committed to enhancing community safety within the Criminal Justice System. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, she leads probation officers within Community Corrections, emphasizing collaboration and conflict resolution. Actively involved in volunteer work and community outreach, Kirn holds certifications and memberships, displaying her commitment to continuous learning. A respected professional, she prioritizes community well-being through leadership and proactive approaches to positive change in the Criminal Justice field.
Cheryl Gauvin
Awards
Hello my beautiful amazing colleagues!! My name is Cheryl Gauvin and I am new to this incredible board. I have been a proud member of AWIPS for a couple years and upon attending the conference in person in September, I felt so empowered being surrounded by this influential group that I volunteered to be a part of the board family.
I bring with me not only excitement and enthusiasm, but 18 years experience as a uniformed Peace Officer for the Edmonton Transit Service. I recently took on a new role as a municipal officer for the City of Edmonton and am enjoying this new adventure.
I look forward to taking on this new challenge with AWIPS and promise to give you all MY ALL!!!