Captain Naomi Green and Lieutenant Lisel Williams
Fire and Rescue Services
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Serco in the Middle East is proud to mark a significant milestone with Captain Naomi Green and Lieutenant Lisel Williams becoming the first women in fire and rescue services within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s giga projects. Their appointments reflect Serco’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and progressive emergency services workforce. We asked them to share some insight into their day-to-day roles and career.
Learn how Priyanka spends a typical day at work:
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What inspired you to join the fire and rescue services?
Naomi: From a young age, I have been drawn to the selfless and courageous nature of those in fire and rescue services who put their lives on the line to protect and serve their community. The bravery and dedication displayed by these individuals have always served as a source of inspiration for me, igniting a desire to follow in their footsteps and make meaningful difference in the lives of others. This fueled my determination to join this noble profession.
Lisel: Helping others is my biggest passion. I’ve always wanted to make a real difference in the community. I love the challenge of working under pressure and staying active - it’s where I thrive.
Lisel: Helping others is my biggest passion. I’ve always wanted to make a real difference in the community. I love the challenge of working under pressure and staying active - it’s where I thrive.
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What does a typical day in your role look like?
Naomi: My day often starts with responding to alarms, managing emergencies, and ensuring public safety. I also spend time training our crew, building relationships with contractors, and managing communication within the team. Equipment maintenance is non-negotiable, and I stay current with industry best practices. The admin side—emails and coordination—also plays a big role in how smoothly our day goes.
Lisel: It’s a mix of readiness, routine, and rapid response. The day starts with roll-call where shifts exchange vital information. We run equipment checks - fire trucks, hoses, breathing apparatus - to make sure everything’s in working order. Ongoing training and fitness are key, and after any callouts, equipment is cleaned, reports are written, and other admin is handled.
Lisel: It’s a mix of readiness, routine, and rapid response. The day starts with roll-call where shifts exchange vital information. We run equipment checks - fire trucks, hoses, breathing apparatus - to make sure everything’s in working order. Ongoing training and fitness are key, and after any callouts, equipment is cleaned, reports are written, and other admin is handled.
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What’s the most challenging part of your job? And the most rewarding?
Naomi: Breaking through stereotypes and gaining respect in a male-dominated environment is challenging. However, the reward is immense - serving the community and saving lives and inspiring other women to follow this path brings a deep sense of purpose. The camaraderie and sense of family within the fire service is also a reward, as we work together as a team to overcome challenges and support each other in times of need.
Lisel: As a woman in the industry, physical strength is always a focus. I often feel like I need to work twice as hard to match my male colleagues, but the reward of saving a life or protecting property makes it all worth it.
Lisel: As a woman in the industry, physical strength is always a focus. I often feel like I need to work twice as hard to match my male colleagues, but the reward of saving a life or protecting property makes it all worth it.
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As Serco Middle East’s first women in the fire and rescue services industry, how does it feel to be paving the way for others?
Naomi: It’s an honour. I know I’m part of something bigger - breaking down barriers and showing the next generation of women that this path is open to them too.
Lisel: It’s about showing women that we’re capable. This job requires strength, courage, and commitment and we have all of that.
Lisel: It’s about showing women that we’re capable. This job requires strength, courage, and commitment and we have all of that.
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Have you faced any challenges in this role as a woman? How have you overcome them?
Naomi: One of the challenges I face is the persistent gender stereotypes within the industry. Despite progress in gender equality, it’s still often viewed as male-dominated, which can lead to bias and make it harder for women to be taken seriously and earn respect. The physical demands of the role can also be tough. While I’ve completed the same rigorous training as my male colleagues, there are times when physical differences present challenges. Another issue is the lack of support and representation. With few women in leadership roles, career progression can feel limited, and that underrepresentation can lead to feelings of isolation. Despite this, I remain committed to my role and to breaking down barriers. I believe that by addressing these challenges and fostering a more inclusive environment, we can build a stronger and more supportive industry for everyone.
Lisel: Absolutely. Performing at the same level in a male-dominated field takes resilience. However, staying mentally strong and committed has helped me overcome those challenges. Serco has also created a culture where resilience, dedication, and talent are recognised above all else. With the right support and a commitment to staying strong mentally and physically, our women have not only overcome barriers but are actively reshaping the industry.
Lisel: Absolutely. Performing at the same level in a male-dominated field takes resilience. However, staying mentally strong and committed has helped me overcome those challenges. Serco has also created a culture where resilience, dedication, and talent are recognised above all else. With the right support and a commitment to staying strong mentally and physically, our women have not only overcome barriers but are actively reshaping the industry.
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How has Serco supported your career growth in a male-dominated field?
Naomi: I’ve had incredible mentorship, especially from the other seniors within Serco. Their support has motivated me throughout my journey here. In what can often be a tough industry, Serco’s belief in equality and inclusion has played a huge role in turning ambition into achievement.
Lisel: They’ve treated me equally, given me essential training, and provided moral support to improve myself in a male dominate role. From tailored training to strong leadership support, the company is committed to empowering women to thrive in every role.
Lisel: They’ve treated me equally, given me essential training, and provided moral support to improve myself in a male dominate role. From tailored training to strong leadership support, the company is committed to empowering women to thrive in every role.
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Can you share a proud moment from your career?
Naomi: Within 6 months of hard work and dedication for Serco I have not just been promoted but became the first female captain.
Lisel: My proudest moment was when there was a residential fire where a young girl was trapped. My partner and I went in, and I found and carried her out while my partner covered us. Her mother and everyone around were so grateful—but for me, it was just doing my job.
Lisel: My proudest moment was when there was a residential fire where a young girl was trapped. My partner and I went in, and I found and carried her out while my partner covered us. Her mother and everyone around were so grateful—but for me, it was just doing my job.
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How does having women in fire and rescue services benefit the wider community?
Naomi: The presence of women in the industry enhances diversity and brings valuable skills and perspectives to the team. They demonstrate exceptional resilience and dedication, especially in high-pressure situations. Women also play a key role in promoting safety awareness, particularly in addressing the needs of other women. Their visibility serves as a powerful role model for young girls and helps break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Their unique approach to teamwork, communication, and problem-solving strengthens trust within the community and improves overall response efforts.
Lisel: We bring a different communication style, which can help in sensitive situations—especially with women and children in distress.
Lisel: We bring a different communication style, which can help in sensitive situations—especially with women and children in distress.
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What advice would you give to other women aspiring to join the industry?
Naomi: As you embark on this challenging yet rewarding journey, developing strong mental resilience and coping skills will be essential to your success. Continuous learning and professional growth are key to staying current and confident in your role. Seek guidance from those with experience and stay committed to your goals with determination and purpose. Your dedication, courage, and drive to serve others make a real difference. Believe in yourself, stay true to your calling, and face each challenge with strength and confidence.
Lisel: Believe in yourself. Trust your strength and your resilience—you are capable of more than you know.
Lisel: Believe in yourself. Trust your strength and your resilience—you are capable of more than you know.
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How do you aim to impact a better future through your role?
Naomi: My goal is to lead by example. I want to influence change, elevate safety standards, and empower others—especially women—to rise in this field. Through training, innovation, and community connection, I believe we can build a more resilient future together.
Lisel: By doing my job to the best of my ability every day—serving the community with care and professionalism.
Lisel: By doing my job to the best of my ability every day—serving the community with care and professionalism.
Ready to join us?
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