Protecting Our Community: Women Leading with Impact

Thank you for attending our Women in Leadership event on March 4, 2026.

We were honored to host an inspiring conversation with women who lead with courage, vision, and commitment to public service. Whether you joined us in person at St. John’s College or watched via livestream, your presence helped make this event meaningful and impactful. We hope you left with fresh insights about leadership, relationship-building, and the powerful results that come from purpose-driven work.

Meet our moderator and panelists

Preeti Emrick, JD
Director, Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management

Preeti Emrick brings over 15 years of experience in emergency management and public safety coordination. Before her role with the county, she served as corporate emergency manager for University of Maryland Capital Region Health, and as a senior law and policy analyst at the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security. She holds a juris doctor degree from the American University Washington College of Law. Her leadership and expertise helped guide a thoughtful and engaging conversation during our Women in Leadership event.

Assistant Chief Katie Roberts
Assistant Chief of Police, Anne Arundel County Police Department

Katie Roberts is the Assistant Chief of Police for Anne Arundel County. With over 30 years of law enforcement experience across a variety of roles, she brings a deep commitment to community engagement and proactive crime prevention strategies. She is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the police force and is dedicated to fostering transparency and accountability in policing. She holds a degree in Criminal Justice along with advanced leadership training, and she remains actively involved in local initiatives aimed at strengthening public safety and building trust within the community.

Fire Chief Trisha L. Wolford
Chief, Anne Arundel County Fire Department

Chief Trisha L. Wolford leads one of the largest combination fire departments in the United States. Beginning her career in 2006 as an entry-level firefighter, Chief Wolford has served in the Fire Marshal’s Office, the Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit, and as a Tactical Medic in the SWAT program. She has also held leadership roles with fire departments in Bozeman, Montana and Spokane, Washington. Chief Wolford holds an MBA and master’s degree in management and organization from Western Governors University, and a bachelor’s degree from Shepherd University. She is a certified paramedic with advanced training from the National Fire Academy and serves in leadership capacities with the International Fire Chiefs Association, the FirstNet Authority, and the Maryland State EMS Advisory Council.

Stay connected and get involved

We hope tonight’s conversation inspired you. If you’d like to continue engaging with incredible women who are making a difference in Anne Arundel County, we invite you to join Anne Arundel Women Giving Together.

As a volunteer-run giving circle, AAWGT brings women together to learn about community needs, pool resources for collective philanthropy, and award grants that improve the quality of life for women and families in our community. Members enjoy full voting privileges in our grantmaking process and have many ways to participate, from education programs to social events and committee involvement.

Ready to join? Visit our membership page to explore five flexible membership options and select the one tha is right for you!