WOMEN IN FEDERALLAW ENFORCEMENT
MISSION
Our mission is to promote gender equity through education, training, research, scholarships, awards, and networking opportunities in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, WIFLE members and WIFLE sponsors.
VALUES
WIFLE values communication, collaboration and credibility as an effective leadership style while maintaining a commitment to high ethical standards.
GOALS
• To assist federal agencies to recruit, retain, and train women in federal law enforcement.
• To identify federal agency barriers to hiring, promoting, and retaining women in the law enforcement professions.
• To monitor progress and recommend methods to hire, promote and retain women in federal law enforcement.
• To enhance the image of women in federal law enforcement in the communities we serve.
• To promote the value of communication, collaboration and credibility in leadership styles.
• To research issues affecting women in federal law enforcement and establish and maintain an information-sharing network.
EDITORS
Dorene F. Erhard, WIFLE doreneerhard07@comcast.net
Elizabeth M. Casey, WIFLE betsycasey53@aol.com
ONLINE
www.wifle.org
www.wiflefoundation.org
Twitter.com/WIFLE
Facebook.com/wifleinc
CONTACT
wifle@comcast.net
301-805-2180
Layout and Design
Carol A. Paterick, WIFLE carolpaterick@gmail.com
ISSN 2835-3331
The WIFLE Newsletter is the official quarterly publication of Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. and the WIFLE Foundation, Inc. It is distributed free of charge to WIFLE Members and supporters. Research institutes, learned societies and allied organizations may arrange to receive WIFLE-eNews by making a request to WIFLE. All correspondence should be addressed to WIFLE, 2200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 102-PMB-204, Arlington, Virginia USA 22201.
Copyright © 2023 Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. All rights reserved.
What Have Catrina and Jessie Been Up To Lately?
Activities for the past couple of months.
March was Women's History Month. The National Women’s History Alliance coined the following 2023 theme for Women’s History Month (WHM), “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” In support of this thought-provoking theme, WIFLE leadership represented Women’s History Month (WHM) at multiple events during the month of March. WIFLE began the month-long series of activities by sponsoring our own breakfast at Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington, D.C., to celebrate and network with our WIFLE members. We also hosted a “WIFLE Members-Only” Speaker Series, one of which was attended by the Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), who graciously provided opening remarks.
WIFLE’s month-long celebration included the following engaging activities and events:
• President Bonus participated in a FEDTalk podcast pre-tape which was aired publicly on March 10th .
• President Bonus was featured at a WHM event for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Office of Inspector General.
• WIFLE hosted a members-only breakfast with President Bonus, Vice President Lane, and Past President Sanz at Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington, D.C.
• WIFLE hosted a WHM virtual event featuring the newly appointed WIFLE President Bonus. During this event, WIFLE featured a special guest - Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, DHS. Secretary Mayorkas stated that he appreciates the deep commitment and dedication of women in the DHS - and women in law enforcement who protect and serve our communities throughout our nation.
• President Bonus and Vice President Lane participated in the Pentagon Force Protection Agency’s WHM event. President Bonus had the honor of providing opening remarks for this special event.
• President Bonus was invited to deliver remarks during the U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald Davis’s agency-wide video tribute on behalf of Women’s History Month.
• WIFLE hosted a WHM virtual event featuring WIFLE Senior Advisor Carolyn McMillon, entitled, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” During her remarks, Ms. McMillon shared the monumental accomplishments of numerous female trailblazers – including a fascinating story about an African American woman, Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells are the source of the HeLa cell line that has saved numerous lives worldwide he ATF Memorial Observance at ATF HQ.
National Police Week. During the month of May, there are numerous memorial tributes throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area which are held on behalf of Police Week. Each year, high-profile dignitaries, members of the law enforcement profession, and families of our fallen heroes pause to remember the courageous acts of bravery of our distinguished colleagues, friends, and loved ones who lost their lives in the line of duty.
To honor the lives of our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, WIFLE leadership participated in the following memorial tributes and associated events:
• WIFLE was invited by DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and President Bonus participated in a Memorial Ceremony at DHS Headquarters. President Bonus even had the pleasure of having lunch with Secretary Mayorkas who continues to espouse his strong support for women in law enforcement and his devout commitment to increase female representation women representation in federal law enforcement.
• WIFLE was invited by Director Richard Cline, Federal Protective Service (FPS) and Vice President Lane participated in the FPS Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at the United States Coast Guard HQ.
• WIFLE was invited by Director Steven Dettelbach, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and President Bonus and Vice President Lane participated in the Memorial Observance at ATF HQ.
• WIFLE was invited by the Honorable Merrick Garland, United States Attorney General, and President Bonus and Vice President Lane to a Law Enforcement Police Week reception at the Department of Justice HQ.
• WIFLE was invited by Acting Commissioner Troy Miller, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Vice President Lane attended CPB’s Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Building.
WASHINGTON (May 10, 2023) Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas attends the wreath laying ceremony for fallen Federal Protective Service officers at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington D.C. ( Photo by Sydney Phoenix/Released)
Date: May 10, 2023
URGENT MESSAGE!!!
WIFLE’sANNUALLEADERSHIPTRAINING
August 14-17, 2023
WIFLE’s 23rdAnnual Leadership Training is scheduled forAugust 14-17, 2023, at the Marriott Water Street in Tampa, Florida. Due to an unprecedented response to the upcoming Leadership Training, we temporarily closed registration on May 23, 2023.
WIFLE is searching the Tampa area for additional hotel space but at this time, regretfully, we are full.
Please check the WIFLE website at wifle.org to join the waitlist, and stay tuned for future updates. We appreciate your understanding as we work to manage this situation.
For those of you already registered, a Welcome Reception kicks off the training on Monday evening,August 14, 2023.As always, this year’s training includes interesting speakers, informative workshops, presentations focusing on your federal career, a career fair, and the popular Flash Mentoring session. For attendees who are able to arrive early, there are optional seminars during the day on Monday, August 14, 2023.
Your registration fee includes theAnnual WIFLE Awards Banquet to be held August 16, 2023. The WIFLE Awards Banquet is a unique event recognizing women in the field of law enforcement.
PROFESSIONALLIABILITYINSURANCE (PLI) COVERAGE FOR FEDERALEMPLOYEES
Many federal employees are unaware of the extent of their professional liability exposure until they find themselves at the center of a disciplinary proceeding, adverse administrative action, or civil lawsuit. Even if the employee is ultimately vindicated, the cost of providing a defense can be devastating. Fortunately, Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) from FEDS Protection is available to help protect federal employees when the unexpected happens.
What Kinds of Professional Liability Risks Do Federal Employees Face?
In today’s federal workforce, there is often widespread misunderstanding about what kinds of professional exposures federal employees are vulnerable to and how PLI helps provide protection. Every federal employee must understand the following:
• Federal employees can be sued.
• DOJ can deny representation.
• Individual employees can be held liable for a judgment.
How Does PLI Help Federal Employees?
Lawsuits against federal employees in their personal capacity can and do occur. Administrative investigations and disciplinary actions are commonplace throughout the federal government. The cost to defend a decision, action, or inaction can be substantial. A FEDS PLI policy protects employees by:
• Providing Legal Defense: A FEDS PLI policy provides an attorney for a workplace allegation, complaint, or investigation resulting from actions taken in the scope of employment. FEDS will also provide defense if the DOJ determines it isn’t “in the interest of the United States” to represent a federal employee in a civil suit resulting from actions taken in the scope of their employment.
• Paying Damages: A FEDS PLI policy provides indemnity protection if an employee is found liable for a monetary judgment in a personal capacity lawsuit resulting from actions taken in the scope of their employment and the agency chooses not to indemnify, even if the DOJ defends the case.
Agencies will typically reimburse managers, supervisors, and law enforcement officers for up to 50% of the annual premium of PLI.
Visit www.fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS to speak directly to a representative to protect yourself and your career today.
*This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or change the terms and conditions of the FEDS Master Policies.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING:ANATIONALSECURITYAND ECONOMIC RISK REQUIRING URGENTACTION
By Heather C. Fischer, Senior Adviser, Human Rights Crimes, Thomson Reuters
Former U.S. White House Special Advisor for Human Trafficking
Heather Fischer is also an advisor to the United Nations Order of Malta, the Women in Federal Law Enforcement Foundation (WIFLE), and the Knoble. She is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves as the board chairperson of the Freedom Collaborative and a board member of RecollectiV.
It is a stunning reality that around the world, almost 50 million people experience human trafficking, a form of modern slavery. Human trafficking, including forced labor or sexual exploitation, takes many forms, with victims from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
As well as being a gross human rights violation, human trafficking is a U.S. national and economic security risk that undermines the rule of law and hampers U.S. economic interests. Yet, despite these risks, the monumental task of countering human trafficking is largely left to the human rights directorates in Intergovernmental Organizations and civil society to address and solve. To counter these challenges in the months and years ahead, we need to also address the crimes from the national and economic security apparatus as well as recognize our societal duty to protect vulnerable people from human trafficking.
Human trafficking is often a highly organized crime.Transnational organized crime syndicates exploit gaps in the world’s legitimate trade, travel, and financial systems. From a national security perspective, we need a response as multifaceted and complex as the criminal networks we are up against to combat these crimes. This approach requires a cohesive mission across the National Security and Intelligence Community (IC), underpinned by a repository of human trafficking data to help identify, investigate, and prosecute criminal networks. Real and significant opportunities exist for the National Security and IC to illuminate transnational organized criminal networks that fuel human rights crimes and take further enforcement action. Department-wide efforts such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center for Countering Human Trafficking are critical to leveraging a whole of department approach.
Further, human trafficking fuels the illicit proceeds generated and the subsequent money laundering activities that conceal and move illegal profits. As a result, criminals are profiting from exploiting vulnerable people. After drugs and arms smuggling, forced labor is the world’s third most lucrative criminal activity, generating an estimated $150 billion of illicit revenue annually in the formal and shadow economy.
We cannot afford to ignore the economic risks posed to the United States by forced labor practices in other countries – these abuses are hurting U.S. strategic competition. To cut off the money, we need to take the following tactical action:
• Train and empower financial institutions to deny traffickers access to legitimate financial systems around the world and ensure regulatory authorities are empowered to facilitate asset seizures;
• Improve and streamline data sharing with and between financial institutions;
• Implement safe harbor protections for institutions to share data with law enforcement;
• Educate financial institutions on what data they can share and when.
Finally, in addition to enforcement action, as a collective society, we must both care for survivors and eliminate the demand. To complement law enforcement protection and prosecution, we should prioritize funding to all states and establish holistic survivor care services and set standards for the delivery of care. We must reach young people at risk of being lured and groomed with prevention education at an age-appropriate level and culturally sensitive manner.
Additionally, we need to take a stand against men purchasing women for sex. Too many sex buyers of privilege believe that commercial sex activity is a victimless crime. When in reality, the act furthers genderbased violence in our communities. Increased collaboration is also needed with key technology companies to clamp down on the online platforms that fuel and facilitate the demand for commercial sex.
Looking ahead, we can expect tangible action to tackle human trafficking. We already see increased cooperation between the public and private sectors to tackle human trafficking. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign is an example of partnership in action, where cooperation across the private sector is helping raise awareness of human trafficking. Whether it’s working with the hospitality sector to identify victims or partnering with financial institutions to track and stop the flow of money funding traffickers, empowering people to recognize the signs of human trafficking is the first step.
But, with increased partnership, we can achieve more.
The bottom line is clear: Human trafficking is a human rights offense that poses real risks to U.S. national security, undermines our economy, and oppresses millions in communities worldwide. Together we can do more to uphold our values and commitments to liberty, equality, and justice.
HOW MEDITATION HELPS YOUR HEALTH, MIND,AND MOOD
The popularity of meditation has increased over the past several years, and more people are discovering its many health benefits. Some of the benefits can include managing stress and high blood pressure, improved sleep, feeling more balanced and connected, and even lowering your risk of heart disease.
Meditation is a practice using breathing, quiet contemplation, or sustained focus on something, such as an image, phrase or sound that helps you release stress and feel calmer. Kind of like a mini vacation from the stress in your life! Stress is your body’s natural alarm system. It releases a hormone called adrenaline that makes your breathing speed up and increases your heart rate and blood pressure. It kicks us into action, which can be a good thing when we’re faced with a real danger or need to perform.
But that “fight or flight” response can take a toll on your body when it goes on too long or is a regular occurrence. Mindfulness meditation provides a method for handling stress in a healthier way.
Here are 5 things you should know about using meditation for your health:
Mindfulness-based practices may be helpful for anxiety and depression. They are better than no treatment at all, and they may work as well as established evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Mindfulness meditation practices may reduce insomnia and improve sleep quality. Their effects are comparable to those of cognitive
behavioral therapy or exercise.
Meditation and mindfulness may reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In one study on veterans, meditation was as helpful as prolonged exposure therapy, a widely accepted treatment for PTSD.
Mindfulness-based approaches may improve mental health in people with cancer. Most of the people studied have been women with breast cancer; the effects might be different in other groups of people.
Studies have suggested possible benefits of meditation and mindfulness programs for losing weight and managing eating behaviors. Programs that combine formal meditation and mindfulness practices with informal mindfulness exercises seem especially promising.
Ways to meditate can include:
Breathe deeply: This technique is good for beginners because breathing is a natural function. Focus all your attention on your breathing. Concentrate on feeling and listening as you inhale through your nose for a count of 3 and exhale through your mouth for a count of 5. Breathe deeply and slowly. When your attention wanders, gently return your focus to your breathing.
Scan your body: When using this technique, focus attention on different parts of your body. Become aware of your body's various sensations, whether that's pain, tension, warmth or relaxation.
Walk and meditate: Combining a walk with meditation is an efficient and healthy way to relax. You can use this technique anywhere you're
walking, such as on a quiet nature path, on a city sidewalk or at the mall.
Read and reflect: Many people report that they benefit from reading poems or sacred texts and taking a few moments to quietly reflect on their meaning. You can also listen to spoken words or any music you find relaxing or inspiring. You may want to write your reflections in a journal or discuss them with a friend or spiritual leader.
Focus on love and kindness: In this type of meditation, you think of others with feelings of love, compassion, and kindness. This can help increase how connected you feel to others.
The bottom line is that meditation is something everyone can do to improve their mental and emotional health. You can do it anywhere without
special equipment or memberships, and there’s a wide variety of styles with different strengths and benefits – so you can find the one that is best suited to you and make it part of your healthy lifestyle!
“The information contained herein is for informational and educational purposes only. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and if you have questions regarding a medical condition, regimen, or treatment, you should always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice from a qualified medical professional because of information you have read herein.”
Source: National Institutes of Health
NUTRITION FORASTHMA
Approximately 25 million people have asthma in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2020 reports. Asthma includes symptoms like shortness of breath or wheezing, chest tightness or pain, coughing (primarily at night or early in the morning), rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, fatigue or weakness, trouble sleeping due to breathing problems, difficulty concentrating, symptoms worsening during exercise or physical activity, and symptoms worsening in response to triggers such as pollen, smoke, dust, or cold air.
With this many people suffering from asthma, knowing how to prevent or ease asthma complications is important. As a dietitian, I always advocate for people to live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Oxygen is an important component for breaking food nutrients down- sugars, fibers, fats, and proteins are broken down for energy as a final
product, and carbon dioxide is created as a waste product as we exhale. Certain types of nutrients require different amounts of oxygen. For example, carbohydrates might use more oxygen but produce more carbon dioxide, whereas fats produce less carbon dioxide for the oxygen consumed. This means a diet with fewer carbohydrates and more healthy fats can help people reduce asthma symptoms.
Here are a few quick tips to remember when implementing a healthy eating pattern for asthma: Eat a balanced diet including a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet each day.
Stay hydrated each day with water, which is the best source of hydration for our bodies.
Avoid trigger foods like milk or dairy products which can thicken mucus in the airways and lead to difficulty breathing. Other trigger foods to consider are foods high in sodium, shellfish, nuts, and fried and processed foods. Sulfates are common preservatives found in foods and beverages, including wine, dried fruits, and processed meats, which can trigger asthma symptoms for some people.
Eat foods rich in antioxidants to help reduce inflammation in the body. Foods that are high in antioxidants include berries, dark chocolate, chia and flax seeds, and dark green leafy vegetables.
Getting plenty of sunshine for vitamin D. If you can’t get much sun, you can also find foods that have a high source of vitamin D, including salmon, mushrooms, flounder, cod, eggs- mainly the yolk, and orange juice that's fortified with vitamin D.
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats and can be found in foods like fatty fishes (tuna, herring,
salmon), walnuts, chia and flax seeds, and avocados.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the risk of asthma symptoms. For some people, larger meals can be a trigger.
Try to make it a priority to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before making changes to your diet. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and medical history.
Sources:
Asthma and Nutrition: How Food Affects Your Lungs | American Lung Association
Most Recent National Asthma Data | CDC
“
The information contained herein is for informational and educational purposes only. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and if you have questions regarding a medical condition, regimen, or treatment, you should always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice from a qualified medical professional because of information you have read herein.”
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT IMPROVES
RETIREMENT PROCESSING – SORT OF
By Tammy Flanagan, Principal, RETIRE FEDERALThe retirement process is, on the surface, fairly straightforward; however, all it takes are a few missing pages of documentation or a missing signature to throw the process off course. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a new 3-page guide that includes some very important details about the retirement process, and it spells out some of the steps that employees can take along the way. It is available
on OPM’s website, and there is also a link to download a printable version that is colorful and creatively lays out a step-by-step guide for employees to follow. The new reference provides more transparency for the process of retirement by pointing out specific things such as having a court order (i.e., divorce decree or property settlement), retiring under the special provisions for law enforcement or having service with multiple federal agencies that could significantly delay the process of finalizing your retirement claim. If you have more than one delay-inducing issue, this can multiply the delay as each issue may require additional processing and a different part of OPM to be involved.
The retirement process is displayed in this guide as a five-step process starting with the retirement date or “separation” date through the retirement case being finalized with the deposit of your first regular monthly payment. The steps in between highlight the role of the agency and payroll office, then go to the “OPM Intake” portion of the process when OPM receives your case and sets up the package for processing and includes preparing the interim or partial retirement payments, then to the bulk of the OPM processing that in itself can take 50 - 90 days. The language used is conversational, and I found this guide to be helpful and easy to understand. The goal, according to Lori Amos, OPM’s deputy associate director for retirement services, “is to give retirees info about the voluntary retirement process, and we want it to be at their fingertips. “Using these three pages, our hope is that it will reduce the amount of time it takes to process retirement claims and, ultimately, a reduction in the backlog.”
An additional change that retirees will notice when they call OPM’s Retirement Information Office at 1-888767-6738 is that your call will be directed according to your reason for calling. If you are calling to get help with Services Online and Login.gov, you will be directed to visit https://www.servicesonline.opm.gov/. If you are a current federal employee, you will be directed to contact your agency’s human resources office. However, if you are a federal retiree and you have your CSA (Civil Service Active) or CSF (Civil Service Final) number, then you can choose among five options for assistance, including:
1. Password assistance, press 1.
2. Tax information, press 2.
3. Reporting a death, press 3.
4. Insurance issues, press 4.
For other inquiries, press 5.
Finally, one more tool for communicating with OPM is the new Chatbot. Currently I could only find the little guy (well, he is supposed to answer questions and “chat” with you!) at the Survivor Benefits area of OPM’s website, and if you have questions about survivor benefits, he (or is it a she?) may be able to help. The OPM Chatbot does not address questions about individual retirement cases. To protect your privacy, do not enter personal information into the OPM Chatbot. You will find additional resources, including how to contact
OPM Retirement Services directly, in the Retirement Services Support Center.
All of these improvements are great; however, they do not create an electronic retirement claims process, nor does it solve all of the customer service issues that have plagued retirees when they attempt to contact OPM to inquire about their retirement benefits. Hopefully, OPM will be able to tackle these much greater problems soon as they strive to focus on the needs of federal employees who are retiring after many decades of dedicated federal service.
As FERS is a three-part retirement system, it is also important for retiring employees to know how to apply for Social Security retirement benefits and how to make withdrawals from their Thrift Savings Plan accounts. Here are some additional references that lay out the process for claiming these additional benefits that create the complete federal retirement benefits package.
Social Security
Social Security in retirement Social Security Administration provides tools for checking your eligibility for benefits and they also encourage you to establish your MySocialSecurity account where you can estimate as well as apply for your benefit. Because Social Security has an electronic system for maintaining your wage records and they allow you to apply for your benefits online, by phone or in person, the benefits can be paid more quickly. According to this guide, you can time your first benefit payment to avoid a gap in income. Your first check won't arrive until the month after the one you pick in your application. You can apply any time up to four months before the month you pick. For example, you want your first check in April. Follow this timing:
Apply in November, December, January, February, or March
Pick March in the application
Get the first check in April
Social Security also provides information to help you see the status of your application, and if necessary, clear instructions to ask for reconsideration or appeal if you disagree with a decision.
Thrift Savings Plan
To request a TSP withdrawal or distribution after you leave federal service, log in to My Account to begin the request or contact the Thrift Line. Withdrawals and distributions cannot be reversed once they’ve been processed, so think carefully before you make a move. Before you request a withdrawal or distribution, make sure you understand your options, the effects on your TSP account, tax rules, and other details. These TSP booklets offer comprehensive information:
Installments Total and Partial Distributions Life Annuities
Tax Rules about TSP Payments
The TSP processes withdrawal and distribution requests each business day. Requests entered in their system before noon Eastern time are processed that same night. Requests received after noon are processed the next business processing night. You may only cancel or change your request up until noon on the day your request is scheduled to be processed.
WHY I JUST WROTEATEXTBOOK! SHOULD YOU?
By June Werdlow Rogers, PhD Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Agent in Charge, Retired
I am 65 years old, and have been “retired” from DEA for 15 years. My mind, body and spirit says “no” quite a bit.
So why in the world did I say yes a few months ago to writing a criminal justice textbook on diversity?
Well, it came down to two proverbial questions. “If not me, who? “If not now, when?”
The criminal justice system faces and is involved in many issues of diversity indicative of fairness and equality challenges. Among some concerns at the forefront of law enforcement are:
Excessive force against persons of color.
Hate crime escalation, especially of the LGBTQ community. Combinations of racially and politically motivated acts of domestic terrorism. Discrimination within the ranks.
Given that the overall mandate to the criminal justice system is that it be applied in an equitable and fair manner, these issues must be addressed. This is why I wrote Thinking, Talking, and Tackling Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice. I am hopeful among my students, the new generation of criminal justice professionals will be some who are willing to take up these causes. Beyond that, my appeal is for each reader to be persuaded that biases, prejudices, stereotyping, and discrimination have no place in the administration of justice.
Of course, I could just hope, but you know the importance of action. Without your actively bringing “enforcement” of law onto the streets of the nation, those federal statutes would just be words sitting on the books. Societal chaos would erupt. It’s true, you already dutifully serve. But think about if there is something more you are uniquely qualified and positioned to do.
What is your cause? What are your talents and abilities that can be used to the greater good of society and our great profession of law enforcement? Should you write, mentor, or speak about the issues you are passionate about?
Trust me, the last thing I thought I would be doing just 24 hours after completing a book was to write anything. But I felt it was worth it if just one of you is motivated to decide that it is YOU, and that the time is NOW!
June 15: Building a Culture of Inclusion in Policing:ACase for 30x30 (McGough, Magyera and Clary)
July 25: Confident Female Leadership (Dietzman)
Nov 9: Growing the Leaders You Need for the Future (Dietzman)
The Justice Clearinghouse Webinars are a benefit for WIFLE Members. Click the links above to register.
NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
WIFLE Foundation Julie Y. Cross Memorial Golf Tournament®
Details and registration at https://wiflefoundation.org/golf2023/
Registration: $120 per Golfer
Registration deadline is October 13, 2023, OR until the first 100 golfers are registered.Then registration will close earlier.
Your entry fee includes golf, range balls, a cart, water, breakfast, lunch, one beverage of choice (beer, wine, soft drink), and a goody bag!
PRIZES GALORE! A $10,000 prize for primary hole-in-one; (2) prizes awarded for closest to the pin, and a prize for low gross teams.
This is a charity event where all profits support the Women in Federal Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund which helps send women to college who are seeking a career in law enforcement. All are welcome to participate honoring our federal, state, and local law enforcement active and retired personnel, emergency responders, firefighters, veterans, and their families and friends.
This is a popular Annual WIFLE Foundation Event! Think about enjoying a weekend in Rehoboth Beach and taking a vacation day on Monday to play a fun round of golf.
JULIE Y. CROSSAWARD
Ashley D. Day
Assistant Regional Security Officer, Special Agent
Bureau of Diplomatic Security, U. S. State Department
Rhiannon Mancinelli
Special Agent, Naval Criminal Investigative Service
ELIZEBETH SMITH FRIEDMAN INTELLIGENCEAWARD
Catherine Spanbauer
Intelligence Specialist, Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Sarah M. Williams
Agriculture Operations Manager, Customs and Border Protection
OUTSTANDINGADVOCATE FOR WOMEN IN FEDERALLAW ENFORCEMENT AWARD
Tinesha L. Cherry
Director, Employee Engagement and Organizational Culture Division
Customs and Border Protection
Dawn Nolan
Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration
Office of the Inspector General
OUTSTANDING FEDERALLAW ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEEAWARD
Jess Earle
Special Agent, Drug Enforcement Administration
Julia Schulte Hanish
Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Cristin M. O’Malley
Special Agent, Air Force Office of Special Investigations
Maria E. Thomas
Special Agent in Charge, Army Criminal Investigation Division
WIFLE/ TRSS LEADERSHIPAWARD
Helen Luong
Special Agent, Air Force Office of Special Investigations
Jessica Sunkamaneevongse
Commander, Air Force Office of Special Investigations
TOPPROSECUTORAWARD
Mollie Bracewell
Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of New York
Lindsey Keenan
Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of New York
Danielle Sassoon
Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of New York
Amanda Houle
Co-Chief National Security & International Narcotics Trafficking Unit
United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York
Melinda Williams
Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office ,District of Minnesota
Laura Provinzino
Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office ,District of Minnesota
WIFLE PARTNERSHIPAWARD OUTSTANDING TASK FORCE OFFICER
Sasha Zacarias
Lead Supervisory Investigator, United States Marshals Service
WIFLE PRESIDENT’SAWARD
Dr. Jean Kanokogi, Ph.D.
Senior Special Agent (ret.), Food and Drug Administration
Office of Criminal Investigations
WIFLE PUBLIC SERVICEAWARD
Jennifer de Carvalho
Forensic Accountant, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Office of Inspector General
Kristen de Tineo
Assistant Director Field Operations, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives
Jennifer Hinckley
Special Agent, Homeland Security Investigations
WIFLE SCHOLARSHIPS
Piper Caravella - Utah
Amber Carbo - California
Jennifer Martinez - Florida
Kaylee Russell- Virginia
Sydney Browning- Virginia
WIFLE MEMBER’S ONLY SCHOLARSHIP
Jessica Earle - Arizona
WIFLE FOUNDATION, INC
501(c)(3)
PRESIDENT
Catrina M. Bonus wifle@comcast.net
VICE PRESIDENT
Jessie L. Lane wiflevp@gmail.com
TREASURER
Catherine W. Sanz
SECRETARY
Melissa A. Lucio
WIFLE FOUNDATION, INC. DIRECTORS
CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Margaret (Margie) M. Moore
BOARD MEMBERS
Elizabeth M. Casey
Dorene F. Erhard
Amy Jo Lyons
Lynda R. Williams
WIFLE FOUNDATION, INC., SENIOR ADVISORS
Janice Ayala
Heather C. Fischer
Jean Kanokogi, Ph.D.
Carolyn J. McMillon
Helen H. Yu
GENERAL COUNSEL
Barbara D. Linney, Esquire
WOMEN IN FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, INC..
501(c)(6)
CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sheree L. Mixell wifle@comcast.net
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Catrina Bonus wifle@comcast.net
DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jessie L. Lane wiflevp@gmail.com
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
PRESIDENT
Jessica (Jess) J. McTigue
VICE PRESIDENT
Amber Jordan
SECRETARY
ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL
Carol A. Paterick
VOLUNTEERS
Linda J. Walker
Rachel Cannon
Rick Lucio
Carol Libbey
