ABOUT US
IGNITE actively mentors, recruits, educates, and supports the past, present, and future women in the Madison Fire Department and surrounding communities.
Our members include active and retired MFD women, students, local Fire Department and EMS agency Affiliates and Supporters!
If you are interested in becoming a member head to our membership info page! Still have questions? Email us at ignitewmfd@gmail.com.
IGNITE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Raena Glauvitz - Firefighter/Paramedic
IGNITE President
Raena Glauvitz graduated from UW-Madison and completely fell in love with this city. She began her career as a volunteer Firefighter in Middleton and went on to join the MFD in 2007. Raena is a Firefighter/Paramedic for the City of Madison and currently operates out of the Community Paramedic office.
Cynthia Schuster - Public Information Officer
IGNITE Vice President
By day, Vice President Cynthia Schuster serves as the Madison Fire Department's Public Information Officer. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for Capital K9s and Friends of Madison Student Radio (WSUM), and she continues to volunteer as a DJ at WSUM. Additionally, Cynthia volunteers as a community peacemaker with the Dane County Restorative Courts and is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Wisconsin Book Festival. Cynthia is thrilled to be a founding member of Ignite and looks forward to building community through a shared passion for public service.
Jessie Bowden - Firefighter/EMT
IGNITE Secretary
New to the fire service, Jessie joined the Madison Fire Department in 2018. She is currently stationed on the west side as a Firefighter/EMT and a part of the city’s Hazmat team. Jessie attended UW-Madison, earning a bachelor's degree in International Studies. She continues to maintain a presence on campus by working seasonally as a crew member on UWPD’s Lake Rescue & Safety team. A Madison native, Jessie is thrilled to be able to serve and give back to her community, and hopes to help the number of women in the fire service grow throughout her career!
Bri Kruchten - Firefighter/EMT
IGNITE Treasurer
Bri has served as a Firefighter/EMT with Madison Fire Department since 2019, currently stationed at Station 5 on Madison's east side. She earned her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from UW-Eau Claire in 2015 and was encouraged to consider firefighting while taking EMT classes at Madison College.
Bri enjoys outdoor adventures and has an obsession with cutesy coffee shops and puppies. She is excited to help other women thrive in the field!
Jenna Larson - Firefighter/Paramedic
IGNITE Board Member
Jenna joined the Madison Fire Department in 2020 and serves as a Firefighter/EMT. Jenna attended UW-Stevens Point, earning her bachelor of science in communications, public relations.
Jenna and her husband, Ryan, have two dogs: Suka Bear (German Shepherd) and Tank (Pitbull mix). Jenna has a deep rooted passion for adventure and travel and aspires to keep her country count higher than her age.
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Tamara Dinkel - Firefighter/Paramedic
IGNITE Board Member
Tamara is one of founding IGNITE members. She began her journey with MFD in October 2016.​ Tamara attended UW-Madison, earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and was a four-year athlete for the UW Women's Rowing team.
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Tamara is married to her amazing wife, Wendy. They have two dogs, Zeus and Hercules and a cat, Apollo. Tamara is an avid SCUBA diver since the 1990’s and has a passion for travel. Tamara also works as an EMS instructor for Madison College.
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Gail Campbell - Retired Firefighter/Paramedic
IGNITE Board Member
Gail hails from upstate NY, where she was fortunate to play a sport every season at Hamilton College (BA). She knew she wanted an active career and was encouraged by retired Fire Lieutenant Jody Kurilla to apply for the Madison Fire Department. The rest is history as Gail spent nearly 30 years on the MFD, 23 of which she proudly served as a paramedic. Gail feels lucky to have spent her last 3+ years helping start up the MFD Community Paramedic program.
Retired and loving life, Gail enjoys traveling with her partner, Laura, and hanging out with her kids Ash and Sydney.