Wendy Aguilar

Media and Communications Specialist
Sacramento Fire Department

Wendy Aguilar is a seasoned journalist turned award-winning communicator and public relations professional. With a background in reporting for major television networks and a track record of innovation and creativity, Wendy has earned accolades, including the 2023 "Communicator of the Year Award" by the California Association of Public Information Officials and the “Rising Influencer of the Year” by the Public Relations Society of America California Capital Chapter. 

Wendy has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to inform, engage, and inspire diverse audiences. Currently serving as the Media and Communications Specialist for the Sacramento Fire Department and the co-owner of Second Alarm Communications Group, Wendy is a dynamic storyteller, a champion of diversity and inclusion, and a recognized industry leader. 

Wendy's journey began in journalism, where she honed her skills as a television reporter, anchor, and producer for different networks, including ABC, CBS, CW, and Telemundo affiliates. Her journalistic endeavors took her across multiple states, from Arizona to Texas and back to the Golden State. 

In 2018, she transitioned from journalism to public relations. She served as a communications specialist for a local school district, and soon after, she joined the Sacramento Fire Department. Her groundbreaking social media campaigns, including the widely acclaimed "What's for Lunch?" and the “I AM SACRAMENTO FIRE” series, have redefined how organizations engage with their audiences. These award-winning campaigns offer a captivating and behind-the-scenes look into life at the firehouse, fostering community understanding and connection. 

In 2021, she launched the department’s TikTok account, which now has more than 120,000 followers. Some videos have gone viral, reaching more than 8 million views. 

With a keen eye for diversity and inclusion, Wendy ensures that every story she tells reflects our society's rich tapestry. Born in Guatemala, Wendy is not only a master communicator in English but also fluent in Spanish, which allows her to connect with a broader and more diverse audience. 

Wendy Aguilar's career trajectory from journalism to public relations exemplifies the power of storytelling and effective communication. Wendy continues to inspire and lead, using her expertise to ensure that vital messages reach the right audiences, fostering understanding, resilience, and unity within communities.



Wendy Aguilar’s Session

9:45 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Pacific — Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Video Best Practices — Creative Content Creation for Instagram Reels and TikTok

When the Sacramento Fire Department opened up its lateral firefighter position, its communication team turned to social media to create engaging content to promote the job! 

They created several social media post with engaging photos, video, and music that was then shared to all social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok. The lateral firefighter job post reached a combined audience of more than 250,000 social media users. Not only did they receive a significantly higher number of applicants for the job, but they also increased the number of followers. 

Since then, they have been focusing on creating more Instagram Reels and TikTok videos and have seen significant growth. Join Sacramento Fire's Media and Communications Specialist Wendy Aguilar and Public Information Officer Keith Wade to learn all the latest tricks and tips for creating engaging and informative Instagram Reels and TikTok videos. 

Key takeaways:

  • Learn the basic rules for shooting quick videos that transition smoothly 
  • Learn how to come up with content ideas to help you engage and grow your audience 
  • Learn how to get buy-in from leadership as well as members of your department/agency
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