Women's Tactical Summit equips female firefighters with tools for long-term success

Friday, May 29, 2026

Media Contact: Page Mindedahl | Communications Coordinator | 405-945-6733 | page.mindedahl@okstate.edu

Female firefighters from across Oklahoma gathered at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City on Friday for the Women's Tactical Human Performance Summit. For the second year, the event focused on the unique health, wellness and performance needs of women working in tactical professions.

The summit brought together firefighters, law enforcement officers, military personnel and health professionals for a full day of evidence-based education on topics ranging from nutrition and hormones to injury prevention, sleep and physical performance. The event was created to address a longstanding gap in research and training opportunities tailored specifically to women in public safety careers.

One of the summit's featured speakers was Megan Lautz, a registered dietitian specializing in first responders and professional athletes who serves as the team dietitian for the Baltimore Orioles. Lautz shared practical strategies for improving hydration, nutrition and long-term health in tactical professions, emphasizing that performance nutrition must be realistic for busy professionals balancing demanding careers and family responsibilities.

"A lot of people think nutrition is, 'Just eat perfect all the time,' but it's not. It's actually much simpler than that," Lautz said. "How do we actually do this in a way that works? Hydration and nutrition are not just things that help us feel a little better. They are occupational concerns. You have to take them seriously to stay safe."

Lautz said research shows that nine out of 10 first responders arrive at training, drills or shifts dehydrated, a concerning statistic when it comes to safety and job performance.

"What I like to do is help you perform better, but in a really simple way," Lautz said.

Among those in attendance were Tulsa Fire Department firefighters Katie Jo Moseley and Kelly Meeks, who traveled to Oklahoma City seeking practical strategies to improve their health, performance and longevity in the profession.

"We learned about this through Chief Julie Lynn," Moseley said. "I came today to learn more about our performance in a tactical environment. As a woman, we have different hormones in our bodies, and there's not a lot of research on that. I really wanted to broaden the spectrum of what I can do to improve my health overall."

For Moseley, the information presented throughout the day immediately translated into ideas she could apply in her own career.

"Since we got here, I've wanted to get a ladder out and start doing exercises for mobility and longevity on the job to prevent injuries and better perform in the fire service," Moseley said.

The summit's programming reflected a growing recognition that women in tactical occupations face unique physiological and occupational challenges that historically have received little attention in traditional training environments. Sessions focused on female-specific topics such as operational nutrition, hormones, strength training, hydration and health care disparities.

Meeks said the opportunity to learn from experts focused specifically on women firefighters was one of the event's greatest strengths.

"There's not a lot of research or information specifically geared toward women firefighters," Meeks said. "There was a lot of good information about health and nutrition and different exercises you can do."

The summit was designed to inspire, educate and foster resilience among women serving in demanding careers. Organizers noted that female tactical professionals have often been overlooked in research, resulting in limited resources and training opportunities tailored to their needs.

By bringing together leading experts and professionals from across disciplines, the summit provided attendees with actionable tools to improve performance, reduce injury risk and support long-term health both on and off the job.

For firefighters like Moseley and Meeks, the event offered more than education. It provided validation that the challenges women face in the profession are being recognized and addressed.