What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
I am passionate about spreading the word about how the LEPSL program is educating and connecting professionals in the law enforcement field while developing and improving their leadership skills to serve their communities and agencies.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
I chose LEPSL because it wasn’t your typical program of learning about history or reading from a textbook. It takes today’s real-life events, stories, case laws, and societal topics and concerns and forms them into relatable topics to learn from. I also found it very helpful to know that leaders in the law enforcement field are teaching the program and have valuable leadership experience that only makes this program different from others.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
My biggest concern was how I would manage my time with the LEPSL coursework while working as a full-time dispatcher and family life. I had taken a two-year break after receiving my bachelor’s degree and was unsure if I could take on the workload, how the pace of the program would be, and if I’d be successful.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
The program has greatly boosted my confidence in preparing for a leadership role. It has connected me with a supportive community of fellow law enforcement leaders, through engaging discussions and collaborative projects. The knowledge I’ve gained has sharpened my communication skills, helped me define and strengthen my leadership style, and equipped me with the tools to make a greater impact within my department.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
My advice is to step back and think about the person you admire most as a leader, mentor, or manager. Now, imagine yourself in their place, facing your current challenges. Do you think you would be successful or effective? Whether you’re already in a leadership role or aspire to be, this program will give you a fresh perspective on what it means to be a leader. The greatest benefit you’ll gain from this course is the shared knowledge and experience of your professors and classmates. Together, they will provide invaluable insights into how to inspire and influence others to reach both individual and collective goals.
What is your favorite LEPSL course?
My favorite class so far was the Best Practices Community Engagement instructed by Professor Erik Fritsvold. This class allowed me to evaluate my current department’s goals, vision, mission and programs and develop new ways to improve our department. Spending each week evaluating specific sections of the department, broadened my view on community engagement.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
During my time in the LEPSL program, I was balancing work as a full-time Public Safety Dispatcher. Volunteering with a non-profit organization for first responders seeking peer support outside of work for their mental health but most importantly, being a wife and mother.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
My family has been my greatest motivation throughout this program. My husband and daughter have been unwavering in their support, and I couldn’t have accomplished this without them. Despite the demands of this journey, I’ve made sure to balance time with family and friends, while also prioritizing moments for myself. As the first in my family of nine siblings to graduate from college, I pushed through the challenges of completing my bachelor’s degree during COVID-19, and I knew I wanted to continue advancing my education and know I made the right decision with this program.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2025