Built for This: Marlena Edwards Makes History in Buffalo
Some people become leaders when they receive a title. Others have been leading long before the title ever came. Marlena Edwards is one of those women!
I had the opportunity to attend McKinley High School with Marlena, and one thing I remember is that whatever she did, she did it with her whole heart. So when I saw the news that she had become the first African American woman to reach the rank of captain in the Buffalo Fire Department, I couldn't help but smile. That's history being made by someone I've known since our high school days!
And if you know Marlena, you know she's been putting in the work!
From bodybuilding to building a career she loves, Marlena has demonstrated what discipline, determination and dedication look like. I firmly believe that how you do one thing is how you do all things, and her journey is a reflection of that.
Marlena shared she first considered becoming a firefighter around 2014 after a former Buffalo firefighter recognized her strength, compassion and dedication and encouraged her to apply. She took that opportunity and ran with it.
After graduating from the fire academy, she worked at several companies, including Engine 3, where she spent approximately four years. Along the way, she studied, learned from mentors and surrounded herself with people who challenged her to grow. Today, she's leading Engine 38 as captain!
But what I love most about her story is that she's never stopped being a student of her craft. Even with this historic achievement, her focus remains on becoming a better leader and elevating the people around her.
For Marlena, serving Buffalo is personal. These are her neighbors, her community and the people she grew up alongside. She understands that when firefighters arrive, they're often meeting someone during one of the most difficult moments of their life. Showing up with compassion matters.
And while she's celebrating this milestone, she's already looking toward her next goal: becoming a chief!
Her advice to the next generation? Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Keep learning, adapting and pushing forward.
As a fellow McKinley alumna, I'm proud to see Marlena making history in our city. She's showing young women, especially young Black girls, that there is room for them to lead in spaces where they haven't always seen themselves represented.
Congratulations, Captain Marlena Edwards! Keep building, keep leading and keep making history.
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