Power Stage with Deb Bergeson – Trail Blazer: Sports, Career, Leadership

Despite years spent in a gravity-dependent sport, Deb Bergeson has built a life defined by resisting downward pull emerging as an inspirational trailblazer. In this presentation, she will share her journey from elite athlete, to becoming one of the city’s first women firefighters, and now one of the few women leaders within the industry.

Deb speaks candidly about adversity, resilience, and the internal drive that fuels growth over time. At its core, her story is one of perseverance—pursuing unconventional roles, embracing challenge, and navigating difficult paths. She invites the audience to reflect on a simple but meaningful question: “What Keeps You Going?”.

Deb offers insight into courage, motivation, and advocacy—highlighting the power of quiet strength, staying grounded, and continually pushing beyond expectations, while encouraging others to examine their own sources of purpose and strength.