How long have you been in your Police Officer Role?
I have been a police officer for just over 11 years, and I have been a Police Officer with UW-Milwaukee Police Department for almost 9 years.
Why Campus Law Enforcement?
Being a police officer in a university setting was honestly never my goal when I was going to school. However, once I joined the UW Milwaukee Police Department, I realized this is my “style”.
I love that we are surrounded by young people wanting to learn, wanting to better themselves. I think being able to support and help our students grow into who they want to be is a pretty cool and rewarding way to spend time at work. For many students, their 1st police encounter as an adult may be with our police department and to be able to set the tone for how they may see a police officer and the role of police is a privilege, an honor and one not to be taken lightly.
In 2020 there were about 697,000 full time police officers in the United States. Of those 697,000 females made up about 13% of the work force. Currently at the UW-Milwaukee Police Department we have 34 sworn police officers and of that 34 there are 8 females, so females comprise 23.5% of this department’s officers. It is a privilege to serve in a department where we have such a high percentage of female officers in comparison to the national average. To my fellow female co-workers. Thank You for being in this line of work with me. I am grateful and proud to serve alongside each of you.
What has been the most rewarding part of the job thus far?
Being a police officer provides the ability to have a direct impact in people’s lives. Unfortunately, Police officers tend to see the sad, painful, tragis, and humbling moments in one’s life. These events provide and opportunity for grace and compassion and the ability to truly help others in what can be the darkest of times. To be a part of people’s lives in that way is incredibly humbling. I have learned to be grateful for my loved ones, and not to fret life’s twists and turns as much as I did before. Life is not for certain nor is it always a gift wrapped present. Life is a remarkable gift, and this job allows me to grow from lessons I learn from each person I encounter.
What motivates you?
The idea of tomorrow. As a tree-time adult cancer survivor I have had to come to terms with my own mortality multiple times. As a 23yr old, a 25yr old and a 31 yr old I learned and then was reminded and them reminded again that tomorrows are no sure thing. I have learned that family and friends are a true gift, and they should be treasured. The idea of “Tomorrow” helps remind me that I am here and that I have survived. I know the saying goes, “Live for today not for tomorrow”, however, my goal is to focus a part of my energy to live for the future. I want to dream about tomorrow, a year from now, 5 years from now, 10 years from now and about my retirement. I know that part of this comes from the trauma of my cancer journeys, but I am profoundly grateful for that lesson. I live life knowing that no tomorrow is ever for certain but also yearn to see what beauty the next day will bring.
Who is your role model? Why?
Famous role model-
Dolly Parton – She came from very humble beginnings and despite the odds has become one of the most memorable and famous females in music history. She has used her music and fame to do many things beyond the music realm. one of which was the formation of the Dollywood Foundation. For over 30 years, this foundation has been providing scholarships and opportunities to young folks. In addition, the foundation provides support to numerous organizations that also are aimed at improving the qualify of life of our nation’s young people. What is so remarkable about this work is that Dolly’s career started during a time when women were fighting for equal rights and opportunities in this country. A lot has changed since then, but her success shows her perseverance and dedication. In addition, Dolly has found a way to still remain relevant in today’s society. While she may not make music and sell records like she used to, her impact has now transcended over 6 decades.
In my personal life-
My mom – She is a force to be reckoned with and someone I look up to for how she chooses to look at her life. While I was going through my cancer journey my mom was a rock, always encouraging me to be positive and choose happiness, but was also “real” about my situation I was in. She has always had a strong work ethic and ambitious standards for her children as well. I can say with 100% certainty I would not be the strong woman I am today without her.
What does this year’s Women’s History Theme mean to you?
This year’s theme is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope” – a recognition of the thousand of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history.
To me this means taking time to reflect on how far our country and our world has come in terms for all women, but also coming to terms with how far we still have to go. I want to see normalizing the conversation on women’s health and life on such topics as mental health, postpartum depression, miscarriages, and the lack of after care, mom guilt, “super-mom” stereotype, body image issues, cancer/heart disease, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and non-mom shaming to name a few.