Sarinya Srisakul: Fighting Fires and Prejudice

Rebel Girls

Kids & Family, Stories For Kids, Education For Kids

4.5 • 7.2K Ratings

🗓️ 28 October 2025

⏱️ 15 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

When Sarinya Srisakul joined the New York City Fire Department, she made history as the first Asian American woman firefighter in the city. Her story ignited a movement for women interested in firefighting around the states. From her first day on the job to becoming president of the United Women Firefighters, Sarinya has fought more than just flames — she’s fought for fairness, representation, and every woman’s right to take up space where she belongs. This podcast is a production of Rebel Girls. It’s based on the book series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. This episode was narrated by Sura Siu. It was produced by Danielle Roth and directed by Ashton Carter, with sound design and mixing by Mumble Media. The story was written by Danielle Roth and edited by Haley Dapkus. Fact checking by Danielle Roth and Sam Gebauer. Our executive producers were Anjelika Temple and Jes Wolfe. Original theme music was composed and performed by Elettra Bargiacchi. A special thanks to the whole Rebel Girls team, who make this podcast possible! Until next time, stay rebel!

Transcript

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0:00.0	Serenia took a deep breath.
0:12.0	She felt sweat dripped down her face as she biked past skyscrapers, street vendors, and groups of tourists on her home turf.
0:20.0	New York City.
0:22.6	This wasn't any ordinary bike ride.
0:25.6	It was a workout.
0:27.6	Serenia was wearing a weighted vest so she could bike longer and get stronger.
0:32.6	As her legs pressed down on the pedals, she went faster and faster.
0:38.3	She was training for a big goal, to become a New York City firefighter.
0:45.3	Serena wanted to join their ranks, but could she do it?
0:51.3	Being a firefighter required immense strength and bravery,
0:56.0	especially in a busy city like New York.
0:59.5	She would have to move quickly, lift heavy equipment,
1:03.0	and have emergency medical knowledge too.
1:07.0	Serenia had never seen a firefighter that looked like her. Serenia pushed harder on the pedals.
1:14.6	If they didn't have a firefighter like her yet,
1:17.6	she would just have to be the first.
1:24.6	I'm Surasoo, and this is Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, a fairy tale podcast about the real-life rebel women who inspire us.
1:37.3	On this episode, Serena Strzicoul, Firefighter, trailblazer, and leader.
1:52.0	Sireña's parents had moved to New York City from Thailand.
1:57.0	Her mother moved to the country to work as a nurse, and her father moved to start a family.
2:03.6	Serenia grew up in the 1980s.
2:07.6	She had two simple goals, to be of service to others, and to make the world a better place.
	...

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