Women’s History Month: Breaking barriers in emergency management

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A banner for Women's History Month featuring text that says “Staff Spotlight” with silhouettes of diverse women on a purple background.

Crisanta Gonzalez smiles in a professional portrait, wearing a navy blazer against a neutral backdrop.

Emergency management has historically been viewed as a male-dominated field, but women across the country are finding their voice and becoming leaders in disaster response, preparedness and recovery. From coordinating large-scale incidents to strengthening community resilience, women play a critical role in how agencies prepare for and respond to emergencies.

In San Bernardino County, Crisanta Gonzalez has been a trailblazer in that work.

As director of emergency services, Gonzalez brings decades of experience spanning open-pit mining, state government and large metropolitan operations. Her path into the profession was not traditional, but her leadership, resilience, and commitment to mentorship have helped pave the way for more women to see themselves in the field.

Throughout her career, Gonzalez has managed complex incidents and major events in Los Angeles, including Camp ReadyLA, led statewide training initiatives and supported flood operations and continuity planning. Today, she oversees disaster response and preparedness efforts for San Bernardino County, ensuring departments and partners are ready to serve residents when it matters most.

Beyond operations, Gonzalez is passionate about mentorship and expanding opportunities for women. She has launched training programs and initiatives designed to introduce young women to careers in public service.

“I hope women continue to grow in this field and see that there is space for them in leadership,” Gonzalez said. “Emergency management is about protecting communities and building strong partnerships. We need more women at the table helping shape that future.”

During Women’s History Month, San Bernardino County proudly recognizes leaders like Gonzalez who are shaping the future of public service. Her journey reflects the strength and progress of women in this profession and underscores the importance of continuing to open doors for the next generation.

Additional County Update News – March 19, 2026