Nesha Walker is a true trailblazer, a firefighter and reservist. On May 12, 2023, she celebrated 17 years in the Navy. Nesha's passion for her work is evident throughout the community, but her biggest fan is right at home. "My daughter brags about me even when I tell her not to!" she shares with contagious laughter. The admiration is well-deserved, considering Nesha's incredible story.
Before starting a firefighting career, she worked at Victoria's Secret for eight years. Seeking a change, she opted for a different path as an Emergency Room technician. Little did she know that this decision would mark the beginning of a series of transformative steps.
Her love of helping others led her to pursue EMT school and later set her sights on becoming a firefighter. Nesha's perseverance paid off; next she enrolled in paramedic school. "After paramedic school, I chilled for a little while. Then I thought, 'You know what? Let's go all the way,'” Nesha recalls. And go all the way she did.
What’s next for Nesha? Nursing school.
Her accomplishments go beyond her impressive career trajectory. Breaking barriers, she is the first black woman to join DeSoto's Fire Department. “It’s been good,” she says of her time there. "The best part of my job is meeting new people. Every single day, I meet some of the nicest people, some of the weirdest people, some of the craziest people… it teaches you not to stereotype."
Despite the challenges she has faced as a woman in a male dominated field, she continues to elevate herself to the next level and conquer new challenges with dedication, hard work, and a bold spirit.
Nominate an Organization or Individual in Your Community
Each month, Plano City Lifestyle honors a First Responder of the Month, Student of the Month, or Nonprofit of the Month. To nominate a worthy recipient in your community, send an email to our editor, Katelyn Reed, at katelyn.reed@citylifestyle.com with "Plano Nominee" in the subject line along with information about the person or organization you are nominating. Nominees must live, work, attend school, or serve in Plano, TX.
