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.

Chief Amal E. Awad
Chief of Police, Anne Arundel County Police Department

Chief Amal E. Awad was appointed the 19th Chief of Police for Anne Arundel County in 2020. Prior to this role, she served with the Prince George’s County Police Department and as Chief of Police in the City of Hyattsville, as well as chief of staff for the Anne Arundel County Police Department. Chief Awad holds both a master’s degree in management and a bachelor of science in management from Johns Hopkins University, where she graduated with honors. She is also a recipient of the Johns Hopkins University School of Education Leadership Award and the Community Champion Award, and is an active member of numerous national policing associations.

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!