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.
Marcia Gonder
Past Chair
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.
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) and a dog (the small, fluffy type). As the Treasurer of AWIPS, she will be the contact for financial payments/reconciliation.
Our Board
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.
Susan Eastwood
Mentorship
Susan is the Director of North District with Community Corrections Branch, Public Safety and Emergency Services. Susan began her career with Alberta’s Correctional Services Division over 24 years ago, starting at the Edmonton Young Offender Center as a Correctional Service Worker. Since 2010 she has worked at various youth and adult Community Correction offices as a Probation Officer, Senior Probation and Manager.
A recent accomplishment She is most proud of is completing her Masters in Leadership from Royal Roads, previous education includes Bachelor in Justice Studies and a Diploma in Correctional Services. In 2022, Susan began teaching as an Associate Professor with the Correctional Services Program at Grant MacEwan University. Susan brings a strong passion for leadership and excited and honoured to be involved in the creation and implementation of the AWIPS mentorship program.
Sarah Marchildon-White
Membership & Website
Sarah has been a Regular Member of the Alberta RCMP since 2014. Mentorship has always been something Sarah has felt strongly about, being both a mentee prior to and during her policing career, as well being a mentor to other police officers and public servants. Sarah has always encouraged others to seek opportunities to broaden their experiences and further their careers. Sarah joined AWIPS in 2023 and joined the Board of Directors in 2024.
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.
Amanda Winder
Training & Events
Amanda has been a Peace Officer since 2003, currently working for the City of Edmonton Community Standards Branch in Logistics and Branch Support. She has been a member of AWIPS since 2022. Training has always been a passion for her. Amanda first joined the Events and Training portfolio as a committee member, then became Co-Chair of the portfolio in 2024. Amanda has also taken on a Mentor role in the launch of the AWIPS Mentorship Program. She has really enjoyed getting to know the other AWIPS members and being able to bond over shared experiences.
Lacey Teske Allison
Social Media
Lacey Teske Allison has served as an Alberta Sheriff since March 2006. As a dedicated professional, she has formerly held roles such as Field Training Officer (FTO), Worksite Intel Contact, and Provincial Operations Centre (POC) Augmentee. Currently, she serves as an Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Worksite Representative, advocating for safer and healthier workplaces.
As a proud member of AWIPS & fulfilling the role of Social Media Coordinator, Lacey uses Social Media platforms to promote awareness about AWIPS’ mission, important causes and supporting other organizations. She is committed to advancing AWIPS’ growth, empowering women in public safety, fostering inclusivity, and inspiring others to excel in trailblazing roles.
Outside of work, Lacey enjoys spending time with her husband, who also works in public safety, and their children. She treasures the rare moments of uninterrupted sleep, loves exploring the outdoors, and constantly challenges herself to master new skills.
Through her professional and personal endeavours, Lacey strives to make a meaningful impact, championing the values of safety, equity, advocating for women and excellence in public safety.
Savannah Nullmeyer
Membership & Website
Savannah has been a Member of the Edmonton Police Service for 10 years. Savannah has felt strongly about empowering women in the workplace prior to her career in policing and this passion continued after she became a police officer. Savannah has been fortunate enough to receive mentorship from several inspirational women in public safety for which she is incredibly grateful. Savannah feels that is paramount to give back and empower others to continue to succeed in a way that feels meaningful to them. Savannah joined AWIPS in 2024 and joined the Board of Directors the same year.
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!!!
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.