Frances Whalen is an Emergency Operations & Information Specialist
with DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, a recipient of the DRI Foundation’s 2020 Women in BCM Scholarship, and as a result, a recently certified ABCP with DRI International.
What is your professional background? How did you get there?
I have over 18 years in the public safety and security sector. Learning about emergency management a few years ago propelled me to volunteer with my local CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). That in turn, grew my commitment to empower others through instruction and sharing of information.
What does DRI certification mean to you?
The DRI certification is a great asset to the “toolkit”. It provides accreditation to the skills I now possess and brings the possibility of new opportunities to continue development and to help others.
What made you interested in business continuity?
Business continuity aligns with my purpose in life of helping people. It helps people and businesses by providing insight, overview and works to provide a level of comfort in case of circumstances big or small. I like that it paints a picture on multiple levels.
Do you have any life experience that makes this field especially compelling?
As a budding business owner, I feel that my newfound education is highly applicable. And as a black woman, I feel that educating & empowering my community, friends and families who are also involved in the business sector is greatly needed.