Luis LealContreras serves as the Executive Vice President of Global Threat Solutions, bringing over two decades of comprehensive experience across military, sworn law enforcement, and private security sectors. Luis’s distinguished military career includes service in both the United States Marine Corps and the U.S. Army. He played pivotal roles in numerous combat operations overseas, notably in support of the Global War on Terrorism, where his leadership and strategic acumen were critical to mission success. He has also been a firearms instructor for Artemis Defense Institute and SWAT officer for the City of Garden Grove.
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
This is a great opportunity to showcase what this program is truly about. It offers tools to lead in real-time in the 21st century. I love sharing my story and encouraging others that this program sets you up for the next level of your career.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
The LEPSL program is a cutting-edge program, it deals with today’s problems and students visit these problems as they occur. No other program currently does this. I had heard of the LEPSL from friends and once I researched it I knew it was the program for me. The LEPSL program aligned with my current job in the public safety field.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
I know my biggest concern was time, I have 2 teenagers and a full-time job where I travel often to see my clients. The LEPSL program is tailored to working professionals and staff is helpful and very responsive. I was in different time zones and other countries and could still accomplish this program.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
After leaving law enforcement, I ventured out into the private sector where I started as a supervisor for the company I am currently with after being with the company for a few years I was asked to get my master’s degree to lead in a bigger capacity. To my surprise one month before graduation I was promoted to vice president of the company. I was promoted again to Executive Vice President and currently oversee all operations of the company in the US and abroad. My key tasks are to ensure our leadership team has the tools and equipment to complete their tasks.
What advice would you share with prospective LEPSL applicants?
Always be a student and keep learning, prepare yourself to lead in different capacities other than law enforcement. Obtaining a master’s degree will open more opportunities for you.
What was your favorite part of the LEPSL program?
Interacting with students from other agencies.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
I have a full-time demanding job that placed me in different time zones and countries. I also had 2 teenagers who were very active in their sports, not to mention I also needed time to decompress. I created a schedule that worked for me and dedicated time every night to the program. This program is possible and it caters to working professionals.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
The task seems enormous when you see it all at once, but I took it class by class and all the feedback I was getting from the instructors kept me motivated. I wanted to improve and be better. I looked forward to the dialogue with other students, and in no time I was down to my last class and after it was said and done, believe it or not, I missed going to class.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2022