Creating a better life for her family - that's the reason why Sakura Xiong joined the Milwaukee Fire Department Cadet Program.
“I just want to have a good successful future,” said Sakura.
She has been in the program for more than a year, and said it has its changes, but every day she feeling inspired and empowered to be a part a male-dominated field.
“I know I can provide for my family. I wouldn't have to worry about finding a job in the future, when this is set for me,” said Sakura.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 4% of career firefighters nationwide are female and according to the Milwaukee Fire department, 5% of its department are women. In the cadet program, about 1/3 of the class size is female. The cadet program is a 2-year-paid apprenticeship program for young adults ages 17-19 years-old.