Sabrina Cohen-Hatton

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, a name synonymous with resilience, ground-breaking success, and leadership, stands as one of the most senior female fire officers in the world. Her story is a remarkable journey from overcoming extreme personal adversity to reaching the zenith of her profession. Sabrina’s life took a dramatic turn when she left home at 15, faced homelessness, and sold Big Issues on the streets. Defying all odds, she accessed accommodation, pursued education with unwavering dedication, and achieved a 1st Class Honours degree in Psychology, a Master’s in International Fire Service Development, and a PhD in Behavioural Neuroscience. These academic feats, achieved under extraordinary circumstances, speak volumes of her tenacity and intellectual capabilities.

In her illustrious career, Sabrina has held prominent positions, including the Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the London Fire Brigade and the Fire Inspection Development Lead/Chief of Staff for Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). These roles have not only exemplified her leadership skills but also her commitment to improving fire and rescue services. Her expertise in risk-critical decision-making in crises has garnered international recognition, earning her the role of an Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff University and the prestigious Raymond Nickerson Best Paper Award. As a Chief Fire Officer at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, she achieved the highest rank possible in the UK fire service, a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to her profession.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sabrina is a vocal advocate for breaking gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. She utilises her understanding of psychology to address and dismantle gender bias, making significant strides towards gender equality. Her book, ‘The Gender Bias’, is a crucial contribution in this regard, offering insightful strategies to overcome systemic barriers that hinder women’s progress. Through her keynotes, she not only shares her inspiring journey but also empowers and motivates others, especially women, to challenge and break through societal limitations.

Sabrina Cohen-Hatton’s role as a motivational speaker is fortified by her unique combination of personal resilience, academic excellence, and professional achievements. Her speeches resonate with diverse audiences, inspiring hope, determination, and action. She exemplifies the power of overcoming adversity, the transformative impact of education, and the importance of challenging gender stereotypes. Sabrina’s journey from the streets to the pinnacle of her profession, coupled with her advocacy for gender equality, makes her an influential figure in motivational speaking. Her life story and her efforts to inspire change truly reflect her spirit of overcoming challenges to achieve greatness.