- IPMBA

Celebrating the Women Who Shape IPMBA

By info@ipmba.org 0 Comments

Authored by: Elizabeth Bouchard, PCI #905T-B, EMSCI #214T-B, University of Guelph Campus Safety, IPMBA Board of Directors, President

International Women in Policing Day

International Women in Policing Day, observed annually on September 12, offers an opportunity to recognize the contributions of women who serve their communities and strengthen the policing profession. While the day itself has passed, the achievements and lasting influence of these women deserve recognition year-round. For IPMBA, it is also an opportunity to recognize our female members and celebrate the women whose leadership, expertise, and dedication have helped shape the Association throughout its history.

The connection between women and the bicycle is particularly meaningful. During the women's suffrage movement of the late nineteenth century, the bicycle became a symbol of independence, freedom, and social change. Suffragists embraced cycling as a means of mobility and self-determination, challenging societal norms that restricted women's movement and participation in public life. American suffragist Susan B. Anthony is famously quoted as having said that the bicycle had "done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world." More than a century later, it is fitting that women in uniform continue to break barriers and create opportunities while serving their communities from the saddle.

Throughout IPMBA's history, women have played an important role in advancing public safety cycling and guiding the growth of the Association. Through executive leadership, board service, committee membership, curriculum development, and conference presentations, they have helped shape IPMBA's direction, strengthen its educational programs, and foster a culture of professionalism, innovation, and inclusion.

On the front lines of public safety cycling, women have demonstrated the value of bicycle patrol as a tool for community engagement, crime prevention, and public safety. As bike patrol officers, instructors, and agency leaders, they have helped advance the profession while inspiring others to pursue opportunities in bicycle patrol and leadership within their agencies and IPMBA.

Among the women who have left a lasting mark on the Association is Kathleen Vonk, IPMBA's first female president. A trailblazer within both the Association and the policing profession, Kathleen helped shape IPMBA during its formative years through her commitment to training excellence and curriculum development. Her leadership broke new ground for women within the Association and helped pave the way for future generations of women to pursue leadership roles within IPMBA and the broader policing profession. Her contributions helped strengthen the foundation upon which IPMBA continues to build today.

Today, women continue to shape IPMBA through their leadership, teaching, volunteerism, and service. Their contributions are reflected in the Association's growth, the strength of its programs, and the lasting impact it has on members and the communities they serve. Their visibility and leadership help inspire others to pursue new opportunities, take on challenges, and become the next generation of leaders within their agencies and professional associations. As we recognize International Women in Policing Day, we celebrate the women whose dedication, expertise, and commitment have helped make IPMBA the respected organization it is today. We also recognize the many women whose work happens behind the scenes, often without recognition, but whose efforts are essential to IPMBA's continued success.