Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1534028
W O M E N ABOUT B U S I N E S S April/May 2025 | maconmagazine.com 77 The most challenging part of following your dreams o en lies in the barriers you create within yourself. I live by the principle that the time spent wishing you had done something could have been the time spent achieving it. Regret is a thief of potential. The most powerful advice: "All men dream. Those who dream at night wake up to realize their dreams were in vain, but those who dream during the day are the most dangerous." So be dangerous and pursue your dreams fi ercely and unapologetically. - Firefi ghter Alexis Hurst You may be surprised to know I began my professional career at 38. It's never too late to pursue a new path and build a passion driven career. You can succeed at any stage. - Fire Inspector Tammy Cravey The best pieces of advice: "Be the hardest worker in the room, but never forget to be kind." This has helped me maintain focus and dedication, while also remembering that empathy and compassion are key in building meaningful relationships with the people I serve and work with. Stay true to your passion, be persistent, and seek mentorship. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The biggest challenge is being in a male- dominated fi eld, I've had to prove myself, but overcoming those challenges has been rewarding. It's motivating to break barriers for other women. - Fire Inspector Jamie Baggarly Before, I was a counselor and when that job ended, I was on the job hunt again. The fi re department was supposed to be temporary but a er going through training and learned the fi re department was a "service" job and I've always like helping others, I decided to stay and make the fi re service a career. - Battalion Chief Brenda Cliette Thomas M a c o n - B i b b F i r e C o u n t y D e p a r t m e n t 1191 First Street • Macon, 31201 478.751.9180 | maconbibb.us Battalion Chief Brenda Cliette Thomas (left center) was the fi rst female Firefi ghter to hold the position as Fire Safety Educator and Inspector in the Fire Prevention Division and became the First Female Fire Prevention Director/Chief. She transitioned to the fi rst female Battalion Chief and will be the fi rst female retiring after completing a rewarding career of serving our community for 35 years April 2025.