WIFLE 2024 Leadership Training Program by WIFLE

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

Event Information

NAME BADGES

For security purposes, name badges must be worn throughout the conference, including all evening activities.

CHECK-IN & INFORMATION DESK

Follow the signs to the WIFLE Annual Leadership Training’s check-in and information desk. It will be staffed as follows:

Sunday, August 4 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Monday, August 5 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday, August 6 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday, August 7 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday, August 8 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

ANNUAL JULIE Y. CROSS MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT®

For more information on the Annual Julie Y. Cross Memorial Golf Tournament, held in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware this October. Please visit www. wifle.org. All proceeds from the golf tournament benefit the WIFLE Scholarship Fund.

WELCOME RECEPTION/EXHIBIT HALL PREVIEW

A reception will be held on Monday, August 5 from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM, in the Terrace Room and the Plaza Ballroom Foyer to welcome all training attendees. Please join us where you can also preview the Exhibit Hall. Appetizers and a beverage coupon will be provided. A cash bar will be available.

WIFLE RECRUITMENT & CAREER DAY –OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Hosted by WIFLE and the U.S. Marshals Service

On Tuesday, August 6, the WIFLE Career Day,

which is open to the public, will be hosted from 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM in the Plaza Ballroom Foyer, Dogwood, and Maple Rooms.

WIFLE has invited students from local colleges and universities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan and surrounding areas to participate in WIFLE’s Recruitment and Career Day.

We are also pleased to announce that we have enlisted the support of graduate students from Marymount University’s Forensic and Legal Psychology Program (FLP) who will assist during the recruitment and career day events.

CAREER DAY CLASSES

On Tuesday, August 6, WIFLE Career Day classes will be held from from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM, in the Laurel and Willow Boardrooms. Join us for this unique opportunity to meet with law enforcement representatives and get first-hand information on law enforcement career opportunities and other positions in the Federal workplace.

WIFLE “MEMBERS ONLY” RECEPTION

Non WIFLE Members are invited to join our organization at the WIFLE “Members Only” Reception on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. The networking event will take place in Salon A of the International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza, Washington, D.C. Hosted appetizers and a beverage of your choice (water, soda, beer, wine) are provided. Please join us for this important networking event, designed to promote and expand your professional contacts.

All attendees are required to become WIFLE members prior to participating in the WIFLE “Members Only” Reception. Sign up tables will be available onsite at this event. Take advantage of the reduced fee membership discount to join WIFLE.

The WIFLE “Members-Only” Reception is sponsored by Axon.

WIFLE AWARDS CEREMONY & LUNCHEON

The 2024 WIFLE Awards Ceremony and Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, August 7 from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM in the Plaza Ballroom on the lower level. One attendee ticket is included with your registration fee. Additional tickets for the Awards Ceremony and Luncheon can be purchased at the Information Desk.

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING – WIFLE “MEMBERS ONLY”

WIFLE’s Annual Business Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 8 from 7:15 AM until 8:15 AM in the Chestnut Room. Continental breakfast will be available for those attending this important meeting, which is open to WIFLE members only. New members are encouraged to attend.

SILENT AUCTION

A silent auction will be held, with proceeds benefiting the WIFLE Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Fund, in Magnolia A&B. The hours for viewing and bidding are as follows:

Monday, August 5 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Tuesday, August 6 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday, August 7 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday, August 8 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Pickup Only)

Winners of the auction items will be posted on the message board at the WIFLE Information Desk on Thursday morning. If you are the highest bidder, pick up your item(s) no later than 1:00 PM on Thursday, August 8 in Magnolia A&B. Cash, personal check, or credit card (MasterCard and Visa only) will be accepted for payment at time of pickup. Rules governing silent auction operations are available on site for review.

WIFLE MERCHANDISE

WIFLE merchandise will be available for purchase in Magnolia A&B. WIFLE members receive a 10% discount on all purchases. Hours of operation are as follows:

Monday, August 5 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Tuesday, August 6 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday, August 7 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday, August 8 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

All proceeds from the sale of this merchandise benefit the WIFLE Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Fund.

SPEAKER’S DOWN ROOM

All WIFLE Speakers are welcome to utilize the Down Room located in the Golden Ash Boardroom. The Down Room will be available as follows: Monday, August 5 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday, August 6 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday, August 7 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday, August 8 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

WIFLE FLASH MENTORING

WIFLE Flash Mentoring will take place on Thursday, August 8 from 2:45 PM until 4:45 PM in the Plaza Ballroom on the lower level. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with high-level officials to discuss career-enhancing strategies.

WORKOUT FACILITIES

The Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, Virginia, features a fully equipped 24-hour Fitness Center on the lower level. The Fitness Center is complimentary and is only available for use by guests of the Hilton.

THE AGENDA BEGINS ON PAGE 29.

WIFLE Background & History

WIFLE, Inc.’s predecessor was the Interagency Committee on Women in Federal Law Enforcement (ICWIFLE) which was hosted by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury. ICWIFLE was originally formed as a task force created by the Office of Personnel Management in 1978.

The ICWIFLE Task Force was charged with studying reasons for the low numbers of women entering federal law enforcement – fields that opened to women only after President Richard Nixon signed Executive Order 11478 (EO 11478) on August 8, 1969. EO 11478 provided equal opportunity in Federal employment for all persons; prohibited discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or age; and, promoted equal employment opportunity through a continuing affirmative action program in each executive department and agency. WIFLE was established as a nonprofit organization on June 28, 1999, as an outgrowth of ICWIFLE to carry forward the ICWIFLE mission and vision.

In 1971 and 1972, the first women were hired by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal

Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives into positions which they had been previously barred based solely on their gender. These women carried firearms, executed search warrants, and made arrests like their male colleagues had done all the years prior to the EO.

From the ICWIFLE period in the 1970s to the current-day WIFLE organizations (WIFLE, Inc., and the WIFLE Foundation, Inc.), we work together with the federal law enforcement community to recruit, promote, and retain women in law enforcement careers, embrace and value diversity, provide empowerment, seek inclusiveness, expect integrity, and advocate and strive for gender equity in federal law enforcement.

In 1991, ICWIFLE celebrated its 20th year anniversary. The program book for that year’s conference is available to read at this link: wifle.org/icwifle

In June 2019, WIFLE celebrated its 20th year anniversary. A video produced for that event is available to watch at this link: vimeo.com/345604660

Every day, WIFLE members take a stand to keep people and communities safe. Your dedication and sacrifice make a difference. TRSS — an AI-enabled data and technology solutions company — supports our federal law enforcement in their critical missions to protect public safety and preserve national security.

Inspired by WIFLE’s dedication to empowering women in federal law enforcement, TRSS is a proud Diamond Sponsor for the 2024 Annual Leadership Training.

more at trssllc.com

WIFLE Organizations

WIFLE, Inc., and the WIFLE Foundation, Inc., work in concert to promote and support women in federal law enforcement. Together, these two tax-exempt organizations form WIFLE’s unique identity as a vital member of the federal law enforcement community.

WIFLE, Inc., was incorporated in 1999 to serve as a professional organization for women and men in federal law enforcement. It is an outgrowth of the former Interagency Committee on Women in Federal Law Enforcement, created in 1978, and co-sponsored by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury.

The WIFLE Foundation, Inc., incorporated in 2006, is the charitable and educational entity providing Annual Leadership Training, the Scholarship Program, the Awards Program, the Julie Y. Cross Memorial Golf Tournament®, research, and other programs to benefit women in the federal law enforcement profession. The WIFLE Scholarship Fund, administered by the WIFLE Foundation, Inc., proudly awards scholarships to students and members pursuing educational opportunities in law enforcement-related fields through its annual application and selection process.

25 Years of Leadership

on behalf of

Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

Executive Director – Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. President – WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

Margaret M. Moore

Executive Director, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

June 28, 1999 –December 31, 2012

President, WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

March 14, 2006 –December 31, 2012

Catherine W. Sanz

Executive Director, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

President, WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

January 1, 2013 –October 31, 2022

Sheree L. Mixell

Executive Director (Interim), Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

President (Interim), WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

November 1, 2022 –January 31, 2023

Catrina M. Bonus

Executive Director, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

President, WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

February 1, 2023 – Present

Deputy Executive Director – Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. Vice President – WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

Monica Blodgett Rocchio

Deputy Executive Director, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

January 1, 2004 –December 31, 2011

Vice President, WIFLE Foundation Inc.

March 14, 2006 –December 31, 2011

Catherine W. Sanz

Deputy Executive Director, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Vice President, WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

January 1, 2012 –December 31, 2012

Deputy Executive Director – Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Vice President – WIFLE Foundation, Inc. (continued)

Current

Sheree L. Mixell

Deputy Executive Director, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Vice President, WIFLE Foundation Inc.

January 1, 2013 –January 31, 2020

WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

Margaret M. Moore Chair, Board of Directors

WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

Elizabeth M. Casey Board of Directors

Dorene F. Erhard

Board Member

Amy Jo Lyons

Board Member

Jessie L. Lane

Deputy Executive Director, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Vice President, WIFLE Foundation Inc.

February 1, 2020 – Present

Board of Directors and Executives

Lynda R. Williams Board Member

Barbara D. Linney Partner, BakerHostetler

General Counsel, WIFLE Foundation, Inc., and Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Melissa Lucio Secretary

WIFLE Foundation Inc. Senior Advisors

Janice Ayala

Director, Joint Task Force Investigations

Homeland Security Investigations

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Retired)

Heather C. Fischer

Senior Advisor, Social Impact & Human Rights

Thomson Reuters Special Services, LLC

2024 Center for Strategy and International Studies (CSIS)

Strategy and Statecraft Fellow

Dr. Jean Kanokogi, Ph.D.

Senior Special Agent, Office of Criminal Investigations

Food and Drug Administration (Retired)

Carolyn J. McMillon, MA, ACC

Owner, ASK-Coaching-TrainingConsulting, The Power of 3, LLC.

Executive, Office of Equity and Employee Support Services

U.S. Secret Service (Retired)

Regina Lombardo

Chief Security Officer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Acting Director

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (Retired)

Dr. Helen H. Yu

Associate Professor

University of Hawai’i at Mānoa

Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. Executive Committee Members

Sheree L. Mixell

Chair, Board of Directors

Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Amber R. Jordan, Esq.

President, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Office of Counsel

Inspector Attorney Labor and Litigation Group

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

WIFLE e-News Editors

Elizabeth M. Casey

Dorene F. Erhard

Carol A. Paterick

WIFLE Founder

Administrative, Technical, Historian, and Webmaster

Assistant Chief – INTERPOL U.S. (Retired)

Current and Past Presidents of Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Monica Blodgett Rocchio (1999 – 2003)

Criminal Investigation Division

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Retired)

Natalie C. Murphy (2004)

Office of the Inspector General

U.S. Postal Service (Retired)

Sheree L. Mixell (2005)

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (Retired)

Stephanie J. Davis (2006)

Office of the Inspector General

U.S. Postal Service (Retired)

Catherine W. Sanz (2007)

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Retired)

Rebekah A. Salazar (2007 – 2008)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Amy Jo Lyons (2009)

Federal Bureau of Investigation (Retired)

Mary Irene Cooper (2010)

Drug Enforcement Administration (Retired)

Jessie L. Lane (2011)

U.S. Secret Service (Retired)

Kimberley

Thompson (2012)

Federal Air Marshal Service

Transportation Security Administration

Diane McCreary (2013)

U.S. Coast Guard Investigation Service

Janice Ayala (2014)

Homeland Security Investigations

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Retired)

Tamra Goldsmith (2015)

Federal Air Marshal Service

Transportation Security Administration (Retired)

Ruth Mendonca (2016)

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Regina Lombardo (2017) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (Retired)

Stephanie Metzger (2018)

Federal Air Marshal Service

Transportation Security Administration

Tira Hayward (2019)

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Katherine (Castaneda) Eberhardt (2020 – 2021)

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Melissa Stormer (2022)

U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations

Jessica McTigue (2023)

Diplomatic Security Service

U.S. Department of State

Amber R. Jordan (2024)

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

A MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION TO WIFLE’S FOUNDERS

This year, WIFLE is proud to highlight the extraordinary accomplishments of the trailblazing women who were tasked by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in 1978 to study why there were such low numbers of women in federal law enforcement. This OPM Task Force, which received the support of the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Treasury, was initially called the Interagency Committee on Women in Federal Law Enforcement or ICWIFLE.

It is because of the efforts of the ICWIFLE visionaries that prompted the establishment of Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. (WIFLE, Inc.) as a non-profit organization on June 28, 1999.

From our inception to present day, we are still reaping the benefits of the actions of our courageous founders.

On the celebratory occasion of WIFLE’s 25th Anniversary, we seize this moment to honor the unwavering efforts of the following transformational role models and agents of change:

» Judith Braunstein

» Betty Griffin

» Mary Frances Martin

» Sheree Mixell

» Margaret Moore

» Natalie Murphy

» Monica Rocchio

» Cheryl Tyler

» Carol Paterick

» Barbara Linney

– WIFLE General Counsel

To our Beloved WIFLE Founders: We Salute You!

You have changed the trajectory for scores of women (sworn and non-sworn) who have excelled beyond their dreams and expectations. You have given us a roadmap for excellence. It is our duty to not only carry the torch – but to extend it to the sisters who stand ready to carry the law enforcement profession to the next level.

WIFLE’s future vision is to re-imagine our role in working with the 30x30 Initiative’s founders and supporters to assist with executing their progressive goals, strategies, and implementation initiatives. We are fully cognizant that this challenge is to be shared with our dedicated and determined partners across federal, state, and local law enforcement. Five years from now, we sincerely hope and optimistically believe that the topic of female underrepresentation will be virtually non-existent.

WIFLE will soon unveil our 25th Anniversary Video. There is much to be proud of in the growth of our organization.

With Respect and Admiration, WIFLE’s Future Law Enforcement Professionals

LETTER FROM WIFLE FOUNDATION, INC. PRESIDENT CATRINA BONUS

Dear Esteemed Colleagues,

As we gather in the historic city of Alexandria, Virginia, for the 2024 WIFLE Leadership Training, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. This year, from August 5th to 8th, we celebrate a quarter-century of unwavering commitment to the advancement and empowerment of women in federal law enforcement.

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. our theme “Looking Back and Inspiring the Future” invites us to reflect on our rich history while setting our sights on the horizon of possibilities.

Looking Back: We honor the legacy of those who have laid the foundation for our success. Their vision, courage, and tenacity have propelled WIFLE to the forefront of leadership in federal law enforcement. We remember the milestones that have marked our journey, the challenges we have overcome, and the triumphs we have celebrated. These moments are not mere memories; they are the bedrock upon which we build our future.

Inspiring the Future: As we look forward, we are inspired by the potential that each new day holds. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, fostering innovation, and embracing change. Our training is more than a platform for professional development; it is a launchpad for visionary ideas and groundbreaking initiatives that will define the future of federal law enforcement. This year’s training is imbued with this spirit of reflection and aspiration. Through our keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and networking events, we will weave the threads of our past experiences with the vibrant colors of future possibilities. Together, we will create a tapestry that tells the story of WIFLE’s enduring impact and unwavering dedication to excellence. Let us embrace this theme wholeheartedly, allowing it to guide our conversations, inform our learning, and inspire our actions. As we look back with pride, let

us also look forward with hope, ready to inspire and be inspired.

Our theme, “Looking Back and Inspiring the Future,” reflects our dedication to not only recognize the strides we have made but also to forge ahead with renewed vigor and purpose.

We will hear from “the Firsts.” The first group of women sworn into federal law enforcement agencies in 1971 and 1972. It was an honor to personally call these women to extend a personal invitation to participate in our leadership training. All of them eagerly said “yes” and they all wanted to join us for the entire week of this training. We stand on the shoulders of these and many other strong women giants, the pioneers who paved the way for equality and inclusion within our ranks. It is now our turn to carry the torch and light the way for future generations.

This year’s training is designed to infuse you with the tools necessary for a successful law enforcement career. We have curated a program that balances professional development with personal growth, ensuring that you leave with both practical skills and transformative insights. We will delve into a diverse array of topics, from crisis management and organizational resilience to ethical leadership and the latest advancements in law enforcement technology. Our esteemed speakers and facilitators bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise, offering insights that will inspire and empower us all.

As we convene in the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration, let us also remember to celebrate our diversity. Each one of us brings a unique perspective that enriches our collective experience. Let’s embrace this opportunity to learn from one another and to strengthen the bonds that unite us as a community. Importantly, this event is not just about professional development but also about building a supportive network of colleagues and

mentors. The bonds we form here will serve us well beyond these few days, strengthening our resolve and enabling us to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.

I am excited to welcome over 1,000 attendees who will join us in making this year’s training an unforgettable experience. Your participation is a testament to the strength and resilience of our organization. Together, we are not just disciplined and determined; we are destined for excellence. I encourage each of you to seize this opportunity fully – to engage, to learn, and to lead. Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of service and integrity in federal law enforcement. By harnessing our collective strengths and experiences, we can continue to make a positive impact on the communities we serve and advance the mission of WIFLE.

These panels are not just discussions; they are conversations with a purpose. They are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and lead. I encourage each of you to actively participate and bring your perspectives to these vital conversations. This year’s WIFLE Annual Leadership Training will feature a series of dynamic panel discussions, each designed to provoke thought, stimulate dialogue, and encourage active participation. These panels are the heart of our training, offering a platform for diverse voices and expert opinions on critical issues facing federal law enforcement today. We will celebrate the achievements of women who have broken barriers and assumed leadership roles in federal law enforcement. Panelists will discuss the challenges they faced, the victories they celebrated, and the lessons they learned along the way.

Our workshops are the cornerstone of the WIFLE Annual Leadership Training, providing hands-on experiences and in-depth knowledge exchange. This year, we have designed a series of workshops that are both engaging and educational, ensuring that participants can apply what they learn directly to their roles. Each workshop is designed to be an immersive experience, facilitated by professionals who are leaders in their respective areas. They will

provide valuable insights, share best practices, and offer actionable strategies that participants can take back to their agencies.

One of the most anticipated events at our Annual Leadership Training is the WIFLE Awards Ceremony. This special occasion is a time to honor the courage, dedication, and exceptional service of our colleagues who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Each award recipient represents the best of what WIFLE stands for: integrity, strength, and a commitment to justice. The ceremony is not only a tribute to their individual accomplishments but also a reflection of our collective pursuit of excellence. As we applaud the remarkable achievements of our awardees, let us also be inspired by their stories. Let their dedication remind us of the impact we can make through our service. And let their legacy motivate us to strive for greatness in our own careers. Please join me in celebrating these extraordinary individuals at the WIFLE Awards Ceremony. Together, we will share in the joy of their recognition and the pride of their accomplishments.

At the heart of the WIFLE Annual Leadership Training is the opportunity to network with peers, mentors, and leaders from across the federal law enforcement community. This year, we have organized a variety of networking events designed to foster connections and build lasting relationships. These networking events are not just about making contacts; they’re about creating a community of support and collaboration that extends beyond training. We encourage you to participate fully and embrace the chance to build your professional network.

Thank you for your continued dedication to WIFLE and its mission. I look forward to sharing this momentous occasion with you all.

Warm regards,

Catrina M. Bonus

LETTER FROM WOMEN IN FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, INC.

PRESIDENT AMBER R. JORDAN

August 5, 2024

Dear Change Agents, Leaders, Family, Friends, and Boss Lady Divas,

It is with open arms and a spirit of inclusivity that I warmly welcome each of you to the 25th anniversary celebration of Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. (WIFLE)! This year’s historic conference theme, “Looking Back, Inspiring the Future,” serves as both a celebration of the incredible journey of women in law enforcement and a call to action for even greater achievements ahead.

As we look back, let us first begin by honoring the courageous women who pioneered law enforcement careers at the state level. From Flora Foster, appointed as a matron at New York City Prison in 1845, to Marie Owens, Chicago’s trailblazing policewoman in 1890, and Lola Baldwin, Portland’s first sworn female officer in 1908, these pioneers defied conventions and paved the way for future generations. Their dedication laid the foundation for others like Georgia Ann Robinson and Josephine Serrano (the first known African American and Latina American female officers), Penny Harrington (the first female Police Chief in Portland Oregon), and Heather Fong (the first Asian American woman to serve as Chief of Police in San Francisco), who shattered glass ceilings in state and local law enforcement.

In the federal arena, doors and windows were finally opened to women for careers in federal law enforcement in 1969, through President Nixon’s Executive Order, 11478. The Executive Order provided equal opportunity in federal employment for all persons and prohibited discrimination based on protected classes (i.e. race, religion, gender, etc.). During our panel discussion entitled, “Honoring our Trailblazers” we will recognize and applaud the pioneering spirit of some of the first female federal law enforcement officers who broke new ground and exemplified excellence while working for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol,

Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (current U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service).

Throughout this conference, we will delve into critical discussions, share insights, and collaborate on strategies to recruit, retain, and propel the advancement of women in law enforcement forward. From panel discussions featuring trailblazing leaders to interactive workshops exploring best practices, there will be ample opportunities for learning, networking, and inspiration. For more details about the trainings, workshops, and panel discussions offered during this conference please review this brochure.

As we convene at this historic milestone, let us celebrate our achievements, learn from our history, and inspire each other to continue pushing boundaries and breaking glass ceilings until the policies and procedures within our agencies are bias free and equitable; until the invisible barriers that hinder women’s advancement, development, and growth are destroyed; and until female representation as law enforcement officers and in leadership positions is equal to that of our male counterparts.

To our esteemed past Board of Directors and Executives, Senior Advisors, Executive Committee Members, Past Presidents, and Founding Women of WIFLE—thank you for inspiring us, all. Your dedication and leadership continue to pave the way for future success.

Conference attendees, family, and friends, your resilience and commitment are the foundation of our achievements. Let us unite to make WIFLE’s 25th anniversary a catalyst for even greater milestones in the years ahead.

We hope you enjoy this historic conference! We can’t wait to see you next year.

Warm regards,

Amber R. Jordan, Esq. President, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. Executive Committee

LETTER FROM VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS

LETTER FROM DHS SECRETARY ALEJANDRO N. MAYORKAS

Secretary

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20528

Secretary U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20528

June 29, 2024

Welcome to the 2024 Women in Federal Law Enforcement Foundations’ Annual Leadership Training.

Whether you are attending as an instructor, speaker, mentor, learner, or award winner –whether you are a leader in law enforcement or aspiring to become one – I am grateful that you are here. Our country is unquestionably safer and more secure when law enforcement agents and officers in leadership positions, at the decision-making table, and in the field all reflect the communities they serve.

For 25 years, this conference and the dedicated team at WIFLE have helped the federal law enforcement community realize that ideal, by uplifting and empowering countless women agents and officers.

At the Department of Homeland Security – the largest law enforcement organization in the federal government – we are, thanks to our continued partnership with WIFLE, recruiting, training, supporting, and elevating a record number of women who seek a rewarding career in this noble profession.

There is still much more work to be done to ensure fair and fulsome representation across the law enforcement enterprise But gatherings like this, and the partnerships, support, insight, and inspiration that can be found here, among your fellow law enforcement professionals, are essential to achieve impactful, enduring progress.

Thank you for being here – and thank you for all that you do, every day, to keep our nation and our communities safe and secure.

Sincerely,

Alejandro N. Mayorkas Secretary

LETTER FROM FBI DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHER A. WRAY

LETTER FROM U.S. SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR KIMBERLY A. CHEATLE

LETTER FROM ATF DIRECTOR STEVEN M. DETTELBACH

JUL 1 0 2024

ToWIFLE,Inc.MembersPastandPresent,

U.S. Department of Justice BureauofAlcohol,Tobacco, FirearmsandExplosives

Office of the Director www.atf.gov

Congratulationsasyoucelebrate25 yearsofsuccessasaleaderinprofessionaltrainingforwomen advancingtheirlawenforcementcareers.

AllofusattheBureauofAlcohol,Tobacco,FirearmsandExplosives(ATF)arehonoredtobeapartner inallthattheWIFLEorganizationanditsmembersrepresent.ATFisproudtohavebeenoneofthefirst Federalagenciesthathiredwomenintopositionsfromwhichtheyhadbeenpreviouslybarredbased solelyontheirgender.AtATF,thismeanthiringfemaleSpecialAgentswhocarriedfirearms,executed searchwarrants,andmadearrestsjustasmaleemployeeshadformanyyears.OurfirstfemaleSpecial AgentwasJoAnnKocher,whoseremarkablecareerincludedpostingsinNewYork,ATF Headquarters,andHawaii.Ashercareeradvanced,shebecameATF'sfirstfemaleResidentAgent in Charge, lateranAssistantSpecialAgentinCharge. Sheremainsactiveinlawenforcementthrough retired-employeeorganizations.

Ms. Kocher'sadviceforwomenaspiringforacareerinFederallawenforcementwasto"takeallthe opportunitiesthatpresentthemselves." Itisraretohavetheopportunitytochangeaworkplace completelysimplybybeingpresentinitanddoingthework�Ms.Kocherandherfellow"firstsand founders" tookthisopportunityandmadethemostofit.Theyalsohelpedensurethatthose opportunitieswouldbecontinuedandbroadenedforfutureemployees. WhileatATFHeadquarters,Ms. KocherworkedwithcolleaguesatotheragenciestocreatetheInteragencyCommitteeonWomenin FederalLawEnforcement-ICWIFLE, whichlaterbecametheWIFLEoftoday. Eversince,throughits AnnualLeadershipTrainingandotherprograms,WIFLEhasmadecontributionsinequippingwomento leadinFederallawenforcement.

Onceadooriscrackedopen,someonemustbethefirsttogothroughit,tomakethebestuseofthe opportunityofferedtoherandexpandtheopportunitiesavailableforothersinthefuture.Wesaluteour "first"JoAnnKocherforhercourageanddetermination,andheraccomplishmentsatATF.Andwe saluteWIFLE,theorganizationshehelpedcreate,whichcontinuesinitsmissionofadvocacyand empowermenttoday.

Director

WIFLE Leadership

WIFLE Trivia

“DID YOU KNOW?”

1. How did the signing of President Richard Nixon’s Executive Order (EO) 11478 on August 8, 1969, impact women in federal law enforcement?

a. It provided equal opportunity in Federal employment for all persons and prohibited discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age.

b. It didn’t impact me because I wasn’t born yet.

c. Following the passage of EO 11478, women were allowed to carry firearms, execute search warrants, and make arrests like their male colleagues.

d. Both a and c.

2. In 1971 and 1972, which one of the following federal agencies were the first to hire women agents?

a. U.S. Secret Service

b. U.S. Postal Inspection Service

c. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

d. Federal Bureau of Investigation

e. All of the above; however, one agency is missing.

True or False

3. WIFLE is the only non-profit organization in the United States dedicated to identifying barriers to recruitment, retention and promotion of women in federal law enforcement. (T or F)

4. During the COVID-19 pandemic, WIFLE’s 2020 Annual Training, which was scheduled to be held in Tampa, Florida, was canceled. A few of the instructors, who were scheduled to present at that training, offered and made their presentations available to our members in a virtual online format. Since 2020, WIFLE has sponsored virtual online training sessions for 3,000 participants. (T or F)

5. WIFLE members are the backbone of the organization. Our diverse members include both sworn and non-sworn women and men from 80 different federal law enforcement entities, state and local law enforcement police organizations, and colleges and universities. At the end of 2023, WIFLE had 824 members – to include 199 Lifetime Members. (T or F)

6. Catherine W. Sanz (Retired Assistant Director, Office of Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is the only WIFLE leader to progress from the rank of Deputy Executive Director/Vice President to serve in the permanent position of Executive Director/ President of WIFLE Foundation, Inc, and Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. (T or F)

7. Barbara D. Linney, Partner, BakerHostetler, General Counsel, has served as the founding pro bono attorney for Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. and WIFLE Foundation, Inc. since their inception on June 28, 1999 and March 14, 2006, respectively. (T or F)

8. Interactive Exercise: Please take a look at the historical photos of WIFLE’s Founders (in this Leadership Training Agenda) and see if you can identify a Founder onsite! During the first two days of our Leadership Training (8/5 and 8/6), please make it a point to say “hello” to our Founders – take a selfie – if possible – and post it on WIFLE’s WHOVA App!!

fun! Thank you for helping us preserve special memories!

201 Lifetime Members

2020, WIFLE has sponsored online virtual training sessions for 2,802 attendees.

missing agency is the “U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)”

Answer Key: 1. D

2. E – The

3. True

False.Since

5. False WIFLE currently has

6. True.

7. True.

Have

WIFLE Leadership

WIFLE AGENDA

WELCOME TO OUR ANNUAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING

AUGUST 5-8, 2024

HILTON ALEXANDRIA MARK CENTER

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA

Theme: “Looking Back…and Inspiring the Future”

WIFLE Honors 25 Years of Excellence

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2024

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Upper Foyer

Early Check-In

MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2024

7:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Location: Terrace Room

Light Breakfast

7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Upper Foyer

Check-In and Information

7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Golden Ash Boardroom

Speaker’s Down Room

Looking Back and Inspiring the Future Communication ~ Collaboration ~ Credibility

8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Location: Poplar

Madelaine Claire Weiss

Licensed Psychotherapist, Board Certified Executive – Career - Life-Coach MindOverMatters, LLC, Principal

Mastering Your MIND: Optimizing Decision-Making for Peak Performance and Personal Fulfillment in Work and Life

People everywhere are learning surprisingly simple brain fitness techniques – to generate the energy and clarity of mind we all need to direct our professional and personal well-being and success – especially in these ridiculously turbulent times. Through this quick-start, compact, interactive workshop – participants will learn a new mindset and gain a new toolkit to help them optimize the whopping 35,000 decisions adult humans make every day in work and life.

“In a very crowded field of life and business coaches, Madelaine is a standout. I have been impressed by her experience, clarity of thought, practicality, ability to ‘get in your head’ in a tactful way, to…get results.”

~ New York Life

8:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Location: Hickory

Carolyn Jean McMillon, Owner/CEO

ASK – Coaching, Training, Consulting, The Power of 3

U.S. Secret Service (Retired)

Loucious Hires

Director – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, D.C.

Retired SES – U.S. Secret Service

Success Begins with Leaving Your Comfort Zone

“Don’t let fear make your decisions for you.”

–Annette White

We adore our comfort zone because it is a place of warmth, comfort, familiarity, and safety, but the same place that makes us so cozy can also be a place of entrapment and stagnation when it comes to our personal and professional growth and development. To reach your greatest potential, it is necessary to face your fears by leaving your comfort zone for every new goal you set. During this seminar, through facilitator-led discussions and thought-provoking interactive engagements, participants will gain new insights and learn helpful strategies that encourage persistence, engaging in new experiences, and setting goals that promote stepping out of the comfort zone to achieve greatness.

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Walnut

Brenda Dietzman, CEO

Wayfinder Consulting, LLC

Retired Undersheriff – Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office

Generations: Working Better, Together

Gen Zers are starting their careers and Millennials are taking on leadership positions within our organizations. In a refreshing way, we will explore the numerous positive characteristics they bring to our organizations and how to utilize their unique skillsets. We will study how different generations were raised and how it has molded them into the employees they are today. Building on that information, we will examine research-based studies to explore how to recruit, retain, motivate, and grow them into the leaders that we need right now and in the future.

8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Birch (Max 50)

Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General

Did You Get Burned – or Is it Just in Your Mind? (Recognize Your Unique Value in Covert Law Enforcement Operations)

This workshop will provide hands-on/small group activities that will discuss roles women play in law enforcement with an emphasis on women conducting surveillance, plain clothes, and undercover operations. Additionally, we will discuss embracing preconceived notions about women and women in law enforcement and using societal biases to help attendees excel and succeed at covert operations in their law enforcement career. Attendees will experience “real life” scenarios, based off actual covert operations, in a safe training environment.

NOTES

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Arbors

Mona Hernandez, Assistant Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Speaker Panel: Executive Women in Motion (EWIM) Speaker Panel

» Tinesha Cherry, Director, Employee Engagement and Organizational Culture Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations

» Lynda Williams, Deputy Assistant Director, U.S. Secret Service (Retired)

» Tosha Dennis, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service

» Julieann Stapleton, Captain, New York Police Department

The objective of this training is to have an open and honest dialogue regarding the most significant obstacles we, as women, face throughout our careers. The hope is that this engaging and insightful conversation inspires women to support each other, show each other grace, and have the courage and the confidence to take advantage of opportunities when they become available. The conversation will also provide evidence that, with the right support and the right balance, women can have it all – they can raise strong families and lead successful careers, feeling fulfilled both at work and at home.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Location: Terrace Room

BREAK (Coffee and Tea available)

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Aspen

Cory Walton, Chief of Staff Pentagon Force Protection Agency

Mindset Mastery: Transforming Your Thinking for Personal and Professional Growth

Our Coaching Program, “Mindset Mastery: Transforming Your Thinking for Personal and Professional Growth,” is designed to empower individuals to unlock their full potential by reshaping their mindset. Through a series of interactive modules, participants will delve into the intricacies of their thought processes, identifying barriers to growth, and learning strategies to overcome them. This workshop will provide practical tools and techniques to foster a mindset geared towards success, both personally and professionally.

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Beech

Megan Norris, Owner

Norris Editorial & Writing Services (NEWS)

Retired Federal Air Marshal

Creating Effective Job-Application Documents for Female Law Enforcement Career Advancement (Federal and Civilian)

Repeat Session (see below)

This workshop will discuss how to create an effective résumé, cover letter, narrative, and/or other documentation that showcases your experience and expertise and meets the compliance requirements of an applicant tracking system (ATS). Women inherently face more challenges to advancement, especially in law enforcement, and this session aims to help you increase your chances of securing a lateral reassignment, temporary detail, or promotional opportunity. SES packages (résumé, ECQs, etc.) will also be covered for those that are at, or working to be at, the executive level.

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Poplar

Wendy Hummell, Health and Wellness Manager

Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office

Women’s Health and Resilience: The Relationship Between Rest, Stress and Hormones

Repeat Session (see below)

At some point in our lives and careers, many of us have experienced feeling overwhelmed, fried, and exhausted. This class will address the elements of burnout, how personal and professional obligations uniquely impact women’s vitality and health, and the importance of establishing firm emotional boundaries. Actionable tools will be discussed and practiced, tips to integrate them into your daily routine, and the introduction of the design thinking framework will help to build your personal well-being blueprint.

NOTES

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Juniper

Matthew Nick, Lead Instructor

Terry Page, Lead Instructor

Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)

The Golden Age of Officer Wellness (Durability)

In the realm of law enforcement, the concepts of ineffective force and excessive force are perpetual concerns. Addressing these issues requires a deep exploration of the impact of physical fitness and environmental influences on de-escalation and decision-making processes. This presentation delves into the intricate relationship between fitness, preparedness, and control tactics training, offering a comprehensive approach rooted in research-based curriculum design. By investing in this approach, law enforcement agencies can cultivate a workforce that is not only better equipped for the challenges of the job, but also more resilient and responsive in critical situations. Holistic wellness involves the comprehensive cultivation of mental and physical capabilities. Just as Olympic athletes train rigorously to excel in their disciplines, law enforcement officers (LEOs) can benefit from a similar approach. Integrating all facets of training allows officers to develop a readiness that aligns with the demands of their profession. This holistic perspective fosters heightened resilience, enabling officers to navigate tense and uncertain situations with greater composure and efficiency.

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Chestnut

Dr. Mary Beth Janke, PsyD

Clinical and Forensic Psychologist

The Protector, LLC

Empowering Women: A Workshop for Women in Law Enforcement

An empowering workshop designed specifically for women in law enforcement. In this session, we will explore the unique challenges faced by women in the field and provide practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and prioritizing self-care. Through interactive discussions, participants will gain valuable insights into navigating the demands of their profession while maintaining personal well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned officer or new to the field, this workshop offers tools and support to help you thrive in your career and beyond.

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Location: Terrace Room

LUNCH and Networking

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Location: Poplar

First-Time Attendees Session

Are you new to the WIFLE Annual Leadership Training? Join us to connect with the WIFLE team, get insights into what’s ahead, ask any questions you may have, and mingle with fellow first-timers.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Hickory

Special Agent Celina Gasparian, Ph.D.

Homeland Security Investigations

The Role of Federal Law Enforcement in Understanding, Embracing, and Promoting Third-Wave Feminism (Failing to Do So Leads to Critical Failures in Our Efforts to Achieve Female Representation)

This workshop discussion will focus on the effort to understand deterring factors to recruiting and retention of female law enforcement officers. Women were not welcomed into the workplace prior to the American Women’s Movement. We had to start from the bottom by asking for the right to merely be counted. Focusing on a more inclusive, contextually whole approach to how we conceptualize the female employee.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Magnolia C

Panel Moderator:

Mary Hogan, Community Relations Officer

Homeland Security Investigations

Panel Discussion: Updates on Pregnancy Accommodations

Panelists:

» Jamie Holt , Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations

» Monica Laguna, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations

» Kristen Sullivan, Assistant Field Office Director, Immigration and Customs Enforcement

» Malissa Tucker, Attorney Advisor, Transportation Security Administration

To inform WIFLE members about accommodations that may be available to them during the pregnancy and post-pregnancy recovery period, to discuss recent changes to laws that govern accommodations, to assist members in developing questions and improvement proposals that they may take back to their own agencies and empower attendees to have control over the way their employment is affected by pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Walnut

Carly Smaldino, Supervisory Special Agent

Georgette Pickering, Assistant Special Agent in Charge

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Breaking Glass Ceilings: Best Practice Strategies for Achieving Your Promotion

This workshop will focus on the next steps for female professionals seeking to explore advancement or promotion opportunities in law enforcement. Its aim is to focus strategies to “break glass ceilings” with a specific focus on individual development, specialized training, mentorship, and other unique opportunities.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Chestnut

Jenny Burke, Assistant Director (Public Affairs)

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Gaining the Trust of Your Community Through Transparency (Level Your Public Affairs/Public Information Team to Earn the Trust and Support of Your Community)

Nature loathes a vacuum. And so does communication. If you aren’t telling your story, someone else will. Learn strategies and achievable communication goals to tell your story in a way that resonates with the members of your community. And let’s talk about why you, as female leaders in your organizations, are the key to achieving those goals.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Beech

Shareka Dobbin, Special Agent

Naval Criminal Investigative Service

The Significance of Mental Health and Wellness in Law Enforcement

Law enforcement professionals are at an increased risk for the development of a significant range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, substance use, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide. I will highlight the importance of wellness in the career field and the significance of taking care of and promoting physical wellness, emotional, and mental well-being. I will provide tips and discuss the ability to identify possible signs of the decline of mental health, not only in ourselves, but in our peers. Often law enforcement professionals have a misrepresented perception of what mental illness is and the disposition that it can’t affect us, that we are too strong, and that we can manipulate the pressures of our career. We fail to understand that requiring assistance to persevere is welcomed and highly encouraged.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Arbors

Lisa M. Dickinson, General Counsel

U.S. Marshals Service

PANEL DISCUSSION: Leadership and Resiliency in Times of Crisis

Panelists:

» Katherine Eberhardt, Deputy Assistant Director Office of Intelligence Operations Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

» Esther W. Chege, Chief Operating Officer Office of Forensic Science, Drug Enforcement Administration

» Amillita Marayag, Section Chief Criminal Investigative Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation

» Michelle Hamilton, Chief of Staff U.S. Marshals Service

Participants will learn how to effectively lead during times of crisis. The training will provide guidance, strategies, and examples of how to assess, adapt, thrive, and positively influence outcomes, despite rapidly changing environments and time-sensitive challenges. Participants will also learn the significance of advance planning and strategies for exigent situations, strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, plus the ability to make quick and decisive decisions while inspiring trust and confidence in others.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Aspen

James De La Torre, President FedAdvantage

Career Transition, Finding Your Passion

This seminar program offers invaluable guidance for individuals navigating the transition from their current career to something new in the next phase of their lives. Transitioning careers can often evoke feelings of stress and uncertainty, especially amid extenuating circumstances. The presentation kicks off by highlighting strategies for prioritizing financial aspects to pay the way forward. The program delves into self-awareness techniques and interactive questionnaires designed to assist attendees in pinpointing their passions and devising actionable steps to pursue them. Whether you’re contemplating staying with your current field or exploring opportunities in a different industry, “Career Transition” serves as an informative starting point for navigating this transformative process. Attendees receive a workbook to follow along with the presenter.

WIFLE Executive Leadership Institute (WELI)

In 2011, Margaret Moore, then President of the WIFLE Foundation, launched the Executive Leadership Institute at WIFLE’s June Annual Leadership Training. The mission of the Institute is to educate government women leaders and those who help women in government to excel, learn about the issues that affect all women in the U.S. and internationally, and how they can become more aware of the environment in which they operate daily. The response was overwhelming and exciting. The participants gave credence to what WIFLE already knew - that at the senior levels of Federal law enforcement, broad and unique insights for women managers are needed. Thus, WELI fills a gap for seniorlevel management training for women law enforcement professionals. The WELI sessions are for women at the GS Grades of 13,14,15, and SES (and state and local equivalent levels); the seminar is conducted during the annual training event. A small fee may be charged for attendance which is separate from the annual training registration fee for participants not registered for the entire training week.

The WELI events attract women in law enforcement at the higher levels of supervisory and management responsibilities. Skills to be successful at these levels are different than those needed at lower levels. For example, at the higher levels of responsibility, your mission view must be much broader and encompass solutions that may have longer or agency-wide impacts. While thinking ‘out-of-the-box’ is a must, basic leadership thinking may be even more critical for long-term success. Women in law enforcement at the higher levels face challenges that may result in dramatic career-changing paths; may be subject to scrutiny and questions not appearing at a lower employee level; or may not be fully recognized or heard when it comes to voicing opinions or contributing to the workplace goals. Furthermore, those who work alongside women, their mentors, and male peers may not be aware of the wider range of environmental factors which influence and affect women in the law enforcement fields. The WELI Seminars address these issues and more in succinct, deliberately paced sessions for senior-level officials.

WIFLE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (WELI I)

Maximum: 80

1:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Juniper

Nadine Gurley, Special Agent in Charge (Retired)

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigation

EmpowerHer: Mastering Executive Presence

“EmpowerHer” will provide participants with a dynamic learning experience, blending theoretical insights with practical exercises and interactive discussions. Through engaging activities and realworld scenarios, participants will explore the psychological components of executive presence, learn assertive communication techniques for navigating challenging situations, and delve into the principles and pillars of executive presence specific to law enforcement.

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Location: Terrace Room

BREAK: Coffee and Tea Available

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Chestnut

Dr. Mary Beth Janke, PsyD

Clinical and Forensic Psychologist

The Protector, LLC

Mental Health in Law Enforcement Workshop

Law enforcement professionals face unique challenges that can take a toll on their mental health. This workshop offers exploration of mental wellness within the law enforcement community, addressing topics such as stress, trauma, and self-care. Participants will gain practical strategies for managing high-pressure situations, recognizing signs of mental distress, and accessing support resources. By fostering a culture of mental wellness, we will endeavor to promote resilience and improve overall well-being among law enforcement personnel.

NOTES

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Walnut

Brenda Dietzman, CEO

Wayfinder Consulting, LLC

Retired Undersheriff – Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office

Building Resilience: A Tactical Guide for Developing a Firm Foundation for Mind, Body, and Spirit

We are resilient people. We are the ones others call when their world is falling apart. However, over the years, we are subjected to trauma and adversity on an almost daily basis, and it can be mentally, emotionally, and physically damaging. We can continue to rely on our current level of resilience, or we can choose to actively develop it. In this session, we will learn about pre-traumatic growth and how to develop specific resources and tools that help make us and our teams more resilient. Then when in adversity, learning how to intentionally use those resources to help us cope. We will discuss post traumatic growth and learn the steps that need to be taken so it can make us healthier, wiser, and more resilient. Then finally, we will work through ways that allow us to thrive through life! The goal is to learn how to prepare for, cope with, and grow through adversity so we can live a great story!

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Beech

Megan Norris, Owner

Norris Editorial & Writing Services (NEWS)

Retired Federal Air Marshal

Creating Effective Job-Application Documents for Female Law Enforcement Career Advancement (Federal and Civilian)

NOTES

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Poplar

Wendy Hummell, Health and Wellness Manager

Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office

Women’s Health and Resilience: The Relationship Between Rest, Stress and Hormones

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Hickory

Juanae Johnson, Program Manager

Ann Marie Matheson, Management & Program Analyst

Maraya Lasinsky, Acting Section Chief Department of Homeland Security Center for Countering Human Trafficking

Introduction to the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking

Established in 2020, the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) is the first unified, inter-component coordination center for countering human trafficking and the importation of goods produced with forced labor. Comprised of 16 agencies within the Department of Homeland Security and led by DHS’ Homeland Security Investigations, the CCHT:

» Directly advise on and support investigations, particularly high-impact and complex cases

» Identify targets and interdict the importation of goods produced with forced labor

» Provide nationwide public awareness in coordination with the Blue Campaign as well as training and outreach for our domestic and foreign law enforcement, private, public, and NGO partners

» Identify, support, and protect victims.

This presentation will serve as an introduction to the CCHT and its capabilities to include training on human trafficking indicators and the victim-centered response to law enforcement partners, external stakeholder engagement in partnership with the DHS Blue Campaign, subject matter expertise, and intelligence analysis in support of investigations, counter-trafficking efforts in support of large-scale events, forced labor in the supply chain, and the Continued Presence Program.

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Chestnut

Biren Raj Acharya

Elite Personal Trainer, NASM/NAFC/AFAA

Body by Raj https://rajfitness.com/testimonials/

Catherine Sanz, Past President WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

Mind-Body Connection to Live and Work Pain-Free

Exercise should mimic your daily life so that you can work confidently and without pain, even in high-stress jobs like law enforcement. My techniques unlock the hidden links that promote energy and eliminate pain. Your body’s ability to perform, especially in life-threatening situations, is critical – but off-duty, you deserve to feel happy, energetic, and confident. Being fit is not just about how you look on the outside, but how you feel when you wake up every morning. Just as you already invest financially into your retirement account, your body is your retirement and should feel like the luxury car of your dreams.

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Terrace Room, Plaza Ballroom Foyer, Dogwood, and Maple Rooms

WIFLE Welcome Reception and Exhibit Hall Preview

Hosted appetizers and a complimentary beverage will be provided, including water, soda, beer, wine, or a special WIFLE drink. A full cash bar is available.

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Magnolia A&B

Silent Auction and WIFLE Merchandise Preview

All proceeds go towards the WIFLE Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Fund.

NOTES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2024

WIFLE: Honoring 25 Years of Excellence

6:30 AM – 7:30 AM

Location: Terrace Room Breakfast Buffet

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Upper Foyer Check-in and Information

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Plaza Ballroom Foyer, Dogwood, and Maple Rooms Exhibit Hall

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Magnolia A&B Silent Auction

Bid on various items, with all proceed benefiting the WIFLE Scholarship Fund.

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Golden Ash Boardroom

Speaker’s Down Room

OPENING CEREMONY

8:00 AM – 8:45 AM

Location: Plaza Ballroom (lower level) General Assembly

Master of Ceremonies

Catrina M. Bonus, President WIFLE Foundation, Inc. and Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Presentation of Colors

United States Secret Service Honor Guard

Honoring WIFLE Founders: Salute Formation Participating Agencies

National Anthem

Georgette Pickering

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Federal Bureau of Investigation

Invocation

Reverend Monsignor Salvatore Criscuolo

St. Patrick Catholic Church

Welcome Remarks

The Honorable Kristie Canegallo Deputy Secretary

Department of Homeland Security

Opening Remarks

The Honorable Christopher A. Wray Director

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Keynote Speaker

The Honorable Lisa O. Monaco

Deputy Attorney General of the United States U.S. Department of Justice

8:45 AM – 9:15 AM

Salute to WIFLE Founders and Viewing of WIFLE’s 25th Anniversary Video

Jessie L. Lane, Vice President WIFLE Foundation, Inc. and Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Speaker: Margaret M. Moore, Founder Chair, Board of Directors, WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

9:15 AM – 9:30 AM

Location: Terrace Room

BREAK: Coffee and Tea Available

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Location: Plaza Ballroom

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Remarks and Moderator Introduction:

The Honorable Heather Fong

Assistant Secretary for State and Local Law Enforcement Department of Homeland Security

Panel Discussion: Honoring Our Trailblazers

First Federal Female Agents: 1971 – 1972

Panelists:

» SA Sue Ann Baker, USSS (Retired)

» SA Kathryn Clark Childers, USSS (Retired)

» SA Susan Malone, FBI (Retired)

USSS-U.S. Secret Service

FBI-Federal Bureau of Investigation

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Location: Terrace Room

BREAK: Coffee and Tea Available

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Plaza Ballroom

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Dr. Michelle Rozen www.DrMichelleRozen.com Hello@DrMichelleRozen.com

Panel Moderator:

The Honorable Kimberly Cheatle

Director U.S. Secret Service

» SA Jo Ann Kocher, ATF (Retired)

» U.S. Postal Inspector Janene Gordon, USPIS (Retired)

ATF-Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

USPIS-U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Motivating – Captivating – Life-Changing – World Renowned Speaker

a.k.a. – “The Change Doctor”

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Location: Terrace Room

Lunch and Networking

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Location: Capital View Room

SPECIAL INVITATION ONLY: “Founders and Firsts Luncheon”

WIFLE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (WELI II)

Maximum: 80

1:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Juniper

Marcia K. Thompson, Esq.

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Aurora University

Making the Hard Choices: Leading with Intention

Sometimes doing the right thing is not popular and will cut against the grain of your organization. However, if you do not make the hard calls as a leader you may sacrifice your moral/ethical grounding. Each time you must second-guess a decision made or not made, it eats at you, and may eventually erode the trust of those you lead.

When given the authority, the power, and the privilege to be the leader, it must be done with intentionality to include ethics, authenticity, resiliency, and mindfulness. In this workshop, we will explore some dilemmas leaders face, some tools to maneuver them, and explore ways to lead ethically, and remain intact, as a person.

WIFLE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (WELI III)

Maximum: 80

1:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Aspen

Dr. Willidean Wilkerson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer

The Wilkerson Care Group

Is the Senior Executive Service (SES) for Me?

This training will take participants through a broad look at what the SES is, what are the rewards and challenges, the skills, and career paths needed for advancing to the senior executive cadre. In addition, targeted information on understanding the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) will be presented. The ECQs are required for entry to the SES and are used by departments and agencies in selection, performance management, and leadership development for management and executive positions. Sample executive core qualifications samples will be provided. Participants will have an opportunity to write (draft) one of the five ECQ statements, Leading Change, Leading People, Results Driven, Business Acumen and Building Coalitions. Participants will also hear directly from a panel of current and former senior executives in law enforcement as they share the good and bad of being an executive and ask candid leadership questions.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Poplar

Marianna Mitchem, Assistant Director, Industry Operations Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Operating in Traffic: Understanding the Dynamics of Firearms Trafficking in America

The National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment (NFCTA) is a comprehensive examination of commerce in firearms in the United States and the diversion of firearms to illegal markets. Produced by a team comprised of ATF subject-matter experts, academics from a variety of disciplines specializing in research relating to firearms, and other law enforcement professionals, the NFCTA is designed to provide the public, researchers, and policymakers with analysis of data lawfully collected by ATF as part of its regulatory and law enforcement missions to inform the dialogue on firearm law and policy.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Arbors

Miranda Bennett, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Female Inspectors General: Top Executives Speak About Leadership and Women in Law Enforcement

Featured Panelists:

» The Honorable Rae Oliver Davis, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General

» The Honorable Christi Grimm, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General

» The Honorable Tammy Hull, Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General

A panel of contemporary women leaders serving as Inspectors General shares the engaging mission of Offices of Inspector General (OIGs) as well as their personal experiences in public service. The panelists demonstrate the tried-and-true success of women in executive positions and share their successful track records in growing women leaders. This dynamic group will share key moments in their career trajectories and perspectives on the past, present, and future of their organizations and women in leadership.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Walnut

Sunnetta “Sunny” Slaughter

Founder | CEO, Sunny Slaughter Consulting, LLC

Law Enforcement & Litigation Expert

Lead from Inside: Women Behind the Badge and Wall

Women in law enforcement bring an indispensable perspective to the table, one that typifies resilience, empathy, and an innate ability to lead through complex, dynamic challenges. This dynamic workshop is meticulously designed to foster the leadership potential of women, equipping them with the necessary skills to ascend the ranks of law enforcement and the advancement of roles that support the profession. This training is an open call to women who wear the badge – and those who support law enforcement without one – to seize the vanguard of change.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Chestnut

Dr. Angela von Trytek, Owner

von Trytek Consulting

Retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration

Bullying in the Workplace vs. Discrimination: Recognizing the Problem

As a leader and manager, understanding and recognizing bullying in the workplace is critical to addressing a toxic workplace. We have all heard the phrase “toxic work environment” but that description has a technical legal meaning that is narrow in scope. To demonstrate a hostile work environment the burden is on the employee to demonstrate the hostility is hostile to the employee because of the employee’s age, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation, or disabling physical or mental health condition (protected class). Mere hostility, in the form of bullying, no matter how malicious the perceived impact upon the employee, has no real remedy in the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) realm. Studies expose how the EEO process is overused, misused, and otherwise cluttered with legitimate employee grievances unrelated to the EEO process.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Hickory

Cory Walton, Chief of Staff

Carla Harris, Deputy Chief of Staff

Pentagon Force Protection Agency

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

This session will provide attendees with proven recommendations on how to foster innovation at a law enforcement organization via a variety of successful programs. The team will discuss implementation plans for:

» Developing and implementing a Director’s Innovation Team and creating Innovation Challenges. It fosters an environment of inclusion, cohesion, and leadership development, and promotes outside-the-box thinking.

» Leveraging Employee Resource Groups/Special Emphasis Programs to provide solutions to shared problems.

» Leveraging the DEIA Working group to identify and provide recommendations to ameliorate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility issues at the agency—elevating the diverse voices within the agency, leading to substantial improvements.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Beech

Michael J. Sgarlat, Associate Attorney

Shaw, Bransford & Roth, P.C.

From Investigations to Discipline: When Your Conduct as an LEO Comes Under Review

Federal law enforcement faces a variety of risks and exposures because of their unique role as badge and gun carrying members of the federal workforce who are tasked with enforcing laws, interacting with the public, and the use of force.

The very nature of a federal law enforcement officer’s job puts him/her at risk of being subjected to EEO, OIG, PR, or even Congressional investigations, proposed discipline, and being sued in their individual capacity by members of the public through Bivens and Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) actions.

In this training, an attorney from Shaw Bransford & Roth (SBR) familiar with these issues will walk trainees through the risks that federal law enforcement may be exposed to over the course of their careers and the steps they can take to limit their exposure or respond to a request for information appropriately.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Magnolia C

Danielle James, Assistant Director

Richard Dunwoodie, Assistant Director

Naval Criminal Investigative Service

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service: Reimagining Women and Women of Color in Cyber Investigations and Operations

Through sponsorship, mentorship, cross-training, and internal and external recruitment efforts, NCIS dramatically increased the number women and women of color within five years throughout its Cyber Directorate and Cyber Operations Field Office. NCIS made a shift towards a more inclusive and equitable cyberculture by improving organizational work-life balance policies; training intelligence analysts to become cyber analysts; recruiting and training management analysts to become digital forensic examiners; promoting and training family and sexual violence, fraud, and counterintelligence agents to serve in all levels of leadership – Desk Officers, Supervisory Special Agents, Division Chiefs, Assistant Special Agents in Charge, Deputy Assistant Directors, and Special Agents in Charge.

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Location: Terrace Room

BREAK: Coffee and Tea Available

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Birch

Qiana Newell, Assistant Special Agent in Charge

U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General

Goal Setter 2.0! The 5-Step Guide to Exceeding Your Personal & Professional Goals

This workshop is for the professional woman who is tired of starting over, who knows she has a purpose and goals she wants to achieve – but somehow life, work, and fear get in the way. Find the work/life harmony you are seeking in this workshop! During this presentation, we will be sharing best practices and actionable steps designed for professional women looking to push past their fears and seeing sustainable results at home and at work. These principles apply to career goals and those home/life personal goals that often compete for your full attention. In this session we will focus on and learn to:

» Create a roadmap for setting, meeting, and exceeding your personal and professional goals.

» Complete practical exercises to help you develop the mindset needed for success.

» Identify and overcome roadblocks to your success.

» Establish healthy boundaries and overcome fears of failure or false narratives that halt your progress.

» Stop restarting and get to the finish line!

Guys, please feel free to join us! These tools will be helpful to help you to better support and understand the women around you, including those you serve with or supervise.

NOTES

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Walnut

Michelle McGriff, Esq., Equal Employment Manager

Department of Homeland Security

Dr. Helen H. Yu, Director and Professor, Public and Administration Program

University of Hawai’i at Mãnoa

Women and Mentorship: A Critical Requirement for Career Advancement in the Workplace

Mentorship is often a common variable associated with career development and advancement. However, research on workplace barriers in federal law enforcement found that less than a third (28.8%) of all women officers report having a mentor. One explanation is the lack of qualified mentors available in an organization. Accordingly, the proposed training will feature the creation of a successful cross-agency mentoring program by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the largest employer of federal law enforcement officers in the U.S. yet smallest among female representation, which recruited and selected mentors from outside their organization to fill this partial void.

Now in its sixth cohort, 245 women officers have successfully participated as mentees. Session attendees will receive an overview of women in federal law enforcement, barriers to advancement, and will hear from the DHS WLE Mentoring Program Manager on strategies and best practices to build and sustain a mentoring program using both internal and external resources.

NOTES

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Arbors

Panel Moderator:

Andre R. Watson, Assistant Director National Security

Homeland Security Investigations

Panelists:

» Daniel Babor, Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge, Transportation Security Administration, Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service

» Chris Bargery, Director, Pentagon Force Protection Agency

» Alfonso Dyson, Sr., Assistant Director of the Law Enforcement Unit, Federal Reserve Board, Retired Chief – Uniformed Division, U.S. Secret Service

» Gregory Ford, Director, Department of the Army, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division

» Benjamine C. Huffman, Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Facilitated Panel Discussion: Engaging Men as Advocates and Allies

Research clearly shows that improving gender representation in the workplace benefits everyone. Gains extend beyond workplace culture into our society, personal lives, and professional development. However, these gains are only possible with the cooperation and support of our male colleagues, mentors, coaches, and sponsors—the men willing to advocate for women even when there are no women in the room. The concept of men as allies is not new. Even at the historic 1848 Seneca Falls women’s conference, 40 men, including Frederick Douglass, were present to support women. Within the last decade, several organizations, primarily across the private sector, have incorporated the concept of men as allies into their gender diversity and inclusion efforts.

The “Engaging Men as Advocates and Allies” facilitated panel discussion brings this important conversation to federal law enforcement. The attendees of the WIFLE Annual Leadership Training will hear from a panel of current and/or former male leaders from across federal law enforcement that will explore:

» What is a male ally? In what ways do male allies advance women’s inclusion at work?

» How does gender diversity specifically benefit federal law enforcement?

» How do male allies support the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in law enforcement?

» How can men become better allies? What barriers to action exist?

NOTES

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Chestnut

Marcy Gallagher, Assistant Special Agent in Charge

Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, Assistant Special Agent in Charge

Joanne Moses, Assistant Special Agent in Charge

Dignitary Protective Division

U.S. Secret Service

Zero-Fail Mission: The Key Leadership Roles of Women Who Spearheaded National Special Security Events (NSSEs)

The United States Secret Service’s (USSS) Dignitary Protective Division has several women in key leadership roles that supervise and spearhead the planning of NSSEs. They will collectively provide a NSSE presentation describing their roles in successfully planning, coordinating, and implementing security operations at events including the State of the Union Address (SOTUA), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit, Republican National Convention (RNC), and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Poplar

Tanya Vaughn, Chief Supervisory CBP Officer

Customs and Border Protection

Workplace Trauma

My workshop is designed to educate women on workplace trauma. To start, I will provide the definition of workplace trauma and provide examples. I will teach them how to recognize the symptoms of workplace trauma and how the emotional impact can affect career progression. Lastly, I will teach women how to overcome workplace trauma. This workshop is near and dear to me because as a woman in law enforcement, I recognize that we have unique challenges. It is necessary to heal workplace trauma so that we can excel in our careers and have a positive impact on those within our field who work with us.

NOTES

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza, Washington, D.C.

WIFLE “MEMBERS ONLY” RECEPTION (Salon A)

NOTES

www.deloitte.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2024

WIFLE: Honoring 25 Years of Excellence

6:45 AM – 7:45 AM

Location: Terrace Room Breakfast Buffet

The following four are 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM: Location: Upper Foyer WIFLE Information Desk

Location: Plaza Ballroom Foyer, Dogwood, and Maple Rooms Exhibit Hall

Location: Magnolia A&B Silent Auction

Bid on various items, with all proceed benefiting the WIFLE Scholarship Fund.

Location: Golden Ash Boardroom Speaker’s Down Room

WIFLE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (WELI IV)

Maximum: 80

7:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Location: Juniper

Dr. Nicola Smith-Kea, Founder and Principal Smith-Kea Consulting

Saving a Seat for a Sister: Lessons Learned from Women who Have Risen to Executive Leadership Positions

This workshop is a journey into the lives of women who have gotten to the top in law enforcement agencies. We will discuss the complex journey of women to executive leadership positions. There will be intentionality in this workshop, not to focus on the challenges women have experienced, as there is research documenting the unique barriers women face in law enforcement. And let’s face it! We all know what the challenges are! Don’t we?

What this workshop will do, is to focus on an explicit recognition, acceptance, and celebration that there are women who have made it to the top. We will be exploring factors that got them there, and factors that helped these women to survive and thrive on their respective journeys. The lessons we will learn during this workshop can cut across types of agencies or disciplines. So, lets come together to share why it’s important to Save a Seat for a Sister!

7:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Location: Arbors

Susan Kennedy, Director of Community Engagement, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Britney Hays, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service

Combating Child Exploitation: Trends and Resources for Intervention and Prevention from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the United States Secret Service

For more than 40 years, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has played a vital role in the fight to reduce this abusive content online not only by working directly with law enforcement in CyberTipline reports, but also by using the insights from the trends gleaned from these reports to inform cutting-edge prevention education programs. In 1997, the United States Secret Service (USSS) became the first federal agency to liaison to NCMEC’s headquarters to work collaboratively with NCMEC to protect children. The USSS also partners with NCMEC to provide community outreach and prevention education in local communities. Since its inception, the partnership model has been replicated with their federal law enforcement agencies. Come to hear about the latest trends in the ever-evolving field of child sexual exploitation, how you can leverage free case and prevention resources, and learn more about partnership opportunities to enhance your ability to combat child exploitation online.

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Location: Magnolia C

Brandi Adamchik, Senior Special Agent

Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Department of Interior

Robert D. MacLean, Director of the Office of Law Enforcement and Security Department of Interior

Turning Aspiration into Action Through Intentional Recruiting, Mental Health Resources, and Training

In 2021, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the establishment of a Law Enforcement Task Force (LETF) within the U.S. Department of the Interior to develop “meaningful solutions to assist law enforcement and communities in strengthening trust and collaboration, while ushering the Nation into the next phase of community-focused law enforcement.” The Task Force was charged with three focus areas: Strengthen trust in our law enforcement programs; Ensure appropriate policy and oversight are implemented; and, Ensure supportive resources are available for officer mental health, wellness, and safety. This LETF produced a final report, which was publicly released on October 27, 2023, and identified 12 overarching recommendations for improvement.

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Location: Poplar

Faye Stephan, Special Agent in Charge

Department of the Air Force, Office of Special Investigations

The Enemy Within – Melzer Investigation Brief (U.S. Army Soldier Attempting to Murder Fellow Service Members)

Case briefing on the Ethan Melzer investigation. A look at the case of a U.S. Army soldier arrested and sentenced to 45 years for attempting to murder fellow U.S. service members, providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists, and illegally transmitting national defense information. Melzer planned a jihadist attack on his U.S. Army unit in the days leading up to a deployment to Turkey and sent sensitive details about the unit — including information about its location, movements, and security — to members of the extremist organization Order of the Nine Angles (O9A), a white supremacist, neo-Nazi, and pro-jihadist group. This investigation was a multi-agency effort but was led by AFOSI SAIC Faye Stephan.

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Location: Aspen

Katherine Harris, Assistant

Director for Policy and Reciprocity

U.S. Department of State, Office of Foreign Missions

Emily Wisener, Special Agent

U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Protective Liaison Office

Foreign Diplomats in the U.S. – How to Effectively Decipher Varying Levels of Immunity

The objective of the training is to educate attendees – to include local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, as well as non-sworn attendees that may interact with diplomats in a security capacity – on the intricacies of diplomatic immunity and property inviolability which can guide their future interactions with members of the foreign diplomatic community. It is important that U.S. law enforcement officers understand how to handle these interactions and investigations into foreign diplomats, as well as why immunities exist and how their actions can have larger impacts on a global scale. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security also wants to educate attendees on consular notifications, in the event of an arrest, and to provide information that attendees want to be familiar with before traveling overseas on a professional assignment of their own.

NOTES

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Location: Chestnut

Erika Mariner, Supervisory Special Agent

Naval Criminal Investigative Service

Investigating in an Established Culture of Corruption and Bribery in the Far East and Southeast Asia AOR

This presentation will depict the uncovering of the largest fraud scheme in the history of the U.S. Navy: The GDMA (aka Fat Leonard scandal), the obstacles encountered, and the successful investigation. The insight from the firsthand account from one of the two female agents, dealing with misogyny from the subjects, adversarial challenges, and having to maintain secrecy of the case due to not knowing who within NCIS was also involved.

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Location: Hickory

Dr. Staci Beers, Victim Services Coordinator

Amanda Allen, Supervisory Program Manager

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Victim Services Division

Beyond Neutralizing the Threat: Crisis Victim Assistance Plans and Trauma Notification in Mass Violence Incidents

This workshop will focus on victim-centered responses to crisis incidents (such as active shooter scenarios), including proactive coordination of victim services and effectively delivering death and injury notifications.

Participants will learn the elements of a successful, victim-centered response and leave the session with a template to implement a crisis victim assistance plan (CVAP) in their jurisdiction. This workshop will also discuss the creation of trauma notification teams (TNT) as part of this plan. Creating a TNT uses a victim-centered, trauma and evidence-informed model that is available at no-cost online and via a mobile application.

NOTES

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Location: Beech

Esther Ruby Gallon, Investigative Analyst – Chief, Open-Source Team

Christine Harris, Physical Security Specialist

Pentagon Force Protection Agency

Integrating Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) into Federal Law Enforcement

This workshop aims to introduce a training program for federal law enforcement agencies that focuses on enhancing their investigative capabilities through the strategic integration of OpenSource Intelligence (OSINT). The program recognizes the immense value and the vastness of publicly available information, and seeks to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and ethical considerations necessary for leveraging OSINT effectively and responsibly in law enforcement operations.

The main goal of the proposed training program is to teach federal law enforcement personnel how to integrate Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) into their operations. This will greatly improve their investigative abilities and operational effectiveness by equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical framework to use publicly available information in a legal, secure, and efficient manner.

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Location: Walnut

Taekuk Cho, Deputy Special Agent in Charge

Homeland Security Investigations

DHS Know2Protect: HSI Leadership Role in Fighting Online Child Exploitation

This workshop discussion will focus on the crime of Child Exploitation and the evolution of laws, investigations, and prosecutions that hold offenders accountable. As this has historically been a crime with a majority of female victims, the discussion will spotlight issues that can impact the investigations, such as societal norms, language barriers, victim services, as well as funding, legislative movements, and multi-disciplinary partnerships. Additionally, we will highlight the DHS Know2Protect online safety program and resources.

9:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Location: Terrace Room

BREAK: Coffee and Tea Available

9:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Location: Walnut

Katherine W. Schweit, JD, CCEP, Owner

Schweit Consulting

Mass Casualty Incidents and School Shootings

Our worst fears are envisioned in an active assailant. Let’s discuss prevention efforts you can incorporate in your current role and even in your family and social circles. Prevention begins with an understanding of what leads shooters to shoot, and what signs may have been discounted or ignored by those around them. Female leadership often makes up a smaller percentage of people in the room during an investigation. But that position gives women an opportunity to bring their unique experiences and knowledge to problem solve. Nowhere is this more important than in the decision making that comes into play when sometimes vague pieces of information must be pieced together to evaluate a potential threat in real time. In this session, we’ll also look at the missed and ignored signs that could have prevented a shooting.

9:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Location: Magnolia C

Jason Briefel, Director of Government and Public Affairs

Shaw, Bransford & Roth / FEDagent

Artificial Intelligence: How Does it Impact Law Enforcement?

AI is affecting every aspect of our personal and professional lives. What are the implications, use cases, and areas to watch out for as this transformative technology affects the law enforcement profession? From recruiting, hiring and workforce development, to aiding investigations and supporting prosecutions, to tracking the effects of criminal justice policies, AI is likely to significantly change certain aspects of the job. Join this engaging session to hear from a panel of experts exploring these different areas, and also answering burning questions from the audience.

NOTES

9:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Location: Aspen

Ashley Smolinski, Supervisory Social Science Research Specialist

U.S. Secret Service, National Threat Assessment Center

Establishing Behavioral Threat Assessment Units (BTAUs) in State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies

The training will focus on the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center’s (NTAC) newly released report Behavioral Threat Assessment Units: A Framework for State and Local Law Enforcement. This operational guide provides actionable steps describing how state and local law enforcement agencies can adopt the Secret Service’s behavioral threat assessment model to proactively identify, assess, and intervene with those who seek to cause harm in their community. The steps presented are intended to offer a scalable framework that can be implemented by agencies of various sizes, all of whom share the Secret Service’s no-fail mission of preventing targeted violence.

9:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Location: Chestnut

Alexandra Athanasatos, Associate Director, Law Enforcement Professional Development

Rebecca Keel, Educator and Diversity Consultant

Anti-Defamation League (ADL)

Introduction to Hate Crimes

ADL offers practical, evidence-based programs for law enforcement professionals that promote fairness, equity, and respect. This is an introductory training program. During this seminar, participants will deepen their understanding of relevant key terms and concepts related to recognizing and addressing bias-motivated violence.

Specifically, participants will:

1. Reinforce their understanding of the difference between a hate crime and hate incident.

2. Appreciate the layers of impact that hate crimes have on communities and individuals.

3. Understand and be equipped with strategies to overcome obstacles to reporting hate crimes to law enforcement.

4. Strengthen their capacity to recognize perpetrator motivations and contextual factors that indicate a hate crime.

5. Reinforce their interviewing skills with best practices for engaging with victims of hate crimes.

9:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Location: Beech

Ashlee Waikem, Special Agent

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations

Erin Marciniak, Special Agent

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Sexting, Lies, and Audiotape:

A Case Study of How a Female-Driven Investigative Team Took Down a Pill-Pushing Doctor from Ohio

The training will highlight an almost decade-long investigation that contributed to the National Opioid Epidemic. Attendees will learn how a physician from Ohio became a top prescriber and promoter for Big Pharma company Insys Therapeutics, Inc. by over-prescribing their dangerously addictive drug Subsys in exchange for kickbacks. The investigative team, including expert witnesses and an undercover patient, proved that Dr. Gregory Gerber intentionally prescribed highly addictive pain medications, sometimes in lethal quantities, to patients who did not need them. Further, Dr. Gerber’s greed led him to overbill health insurance programs for bogus office visits that disguised his drug deals and sexual propositions. The investigative team built a strong case showing that Dr. Gerber fueled drug addiction in an already vulnerable patient population and that he took advantage of those who trusted him and became dependent upon him.

9:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Location: Hickory

Special Agent Katherine Leonard

Homeland Security Investigations

Leticia Lowenberg, Foreign Service National Investigator

U.S. Embassy – Mexico City

HSI Child Exploitation Case Showcasing Innovative/Impactful Women in Federal Law Enforcement

This discussion focuses on a recent HSI Child Exploitation case “Operation Crisscross.” An HSI Eagle Pass Special Agent discovered that tips regarding child exploitation from IP addresses along the U.S./Mexico border were routed directly to Mexico City and bypassing HSI. This workshop will highlight challenges associated with cross-border investigations, which led to an HSI agent leveraging her partnerships with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and her counterparts in Mexico in a way that strengthened the response from both countries.

10:00 AM – 11:20 AM

Location: Capital View Room

PRE-AWARDS CEREMONY / VIP RECEPTION

Sponsored by Thomson Reuters Special Services, LLC

For 2024 WIFLE Award recipients, agency heads, and invited guests only.

11:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: Plaza Ballroom

WIFLE AWARDS CEREMONY AND LUNCHEON

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Sunnetta “Sunny” Slaughter

Founder | CEO, Sunny Slaughter Consulting, LLC Law Enforcement & Litigation Expert

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Break and Networking

2:30 PM – 3:45 PM

Location: Plaza Ballroom

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Jane Beck, Chief Contracting Officer

TYR Tactical

Defining Body Armor Protection for Women in Law Enforcement

The growth of women serving in military and law enforcement positions worldwide has seen an increase over the years and is expected to grow in the years to come. Initiatives like the United Nation’s 2028 strive to increase women serving in military contingents to 15% and the United States’ 30x30 initiative to increase women in policing to 30% by 2030 will directly impact this expected growth. With this growth comes the need to address the anatomical differences of female users and the protective gear they wear.

During this session, we will discuss the critical aspects of carrier and ballistic armor design and function. We will review the physiological differences between the male and female body, the importance of proper weight distribution across the shoulders, chest, back and hips, the correlation between comfort, range of motion, and performance with the overall effectiveness and protection provided by a vest.

As the innovation leader in the tactical industry, TYR Tactical® saw the need to redefine the industry’s standards for female users. Through years of research, TYR Tactical® developed a patented shape that allows women to properly perform tasks and maintain comfort while providing proper area of coverage with ergonomically shaped ballistics.

3:45 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Terrace Room

BREAK: Coffee and Tea Available

4:00 PM – 5:15 PM

Location: Plaza Ballroom

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Panel Moderator:

Marcia K. Thompson, Esq.

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Aurora University

Panel Discussion: From Local to Federal: Bridging Reform in Law Enforcement

Panelists:

» Hipolito Castro, Senior Supervisory Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation (Retired)

» Maureen McGough, Chief of Strategic Initiatives, The Policing Project, NYU School of Law

» Chief Yogananda D. Pittman, University of California Berkeley Police Department

» Denise Rodriguez, Chief Deputy Police Monitor on the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States Department of Justice Consent Decree

» Chief Pamela A. Smith, Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia

» Lynda R. Williams, Deputy Assistant Director, U.S. Secret Service (Retired)

The objective of this panel presentation is to facilitate a comprehensive discussion on strategies for effectively translating local and state police reforms to federal law enforcement agencies. By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds, our aim is to identify key challenges, explore innovative solutions, and highlight actionable steps that promote accountability, transparency, community engagement, and cultural shifts within federal law enforcement practices. Through this dialogue, we seek to empower leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive meaningful reform efforts and foster greater trust, equity, and justice in law enforcement interactions across all levels of government.

NOTES

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

WIFLE: Honoring 25 Years of Excellence

6:00 AM – 7:00 AM

Location: Magnolia C

U.S. Park Police Sponsored Yoga Session in Partnership with Yoga for First Responders

7:00 AM – 8:15 AM

Location: Terrace Room

Breakfast Buffet

7:15 AM – 8:15 AM

Location: Chestnut

WIFLE Annual Business Meeting

Open to all WIFLE members. New members are encouraged to attend to learn more about our organization. Continental breakfast is provided.

7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Upper Foyer

WIFLE Information Desk

7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Golden Ash Boardroom

Speaker’s Down Room

8:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Location: Plaza Ballroom

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Panel Moderator:

Heather Fischer, Senior Advisor, Social Impact & Human Rights

Thomson Reuters Special Services, LLC

Center for Strategy and International Studies (CSIS) Strategy and Statecraft Fellow

WIFLE Senior Advisor

Panel Discussion: Women, Peace and Security (WPS)

Speakers:

» Carlos F. Matus, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Director of the Diplomatic Security Service, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, U.S. Department of State

» Pearl S. Mundt, Executive Director, Air Force Office of Special Investigations

Panelists:

» Renata Parras, Senior Counsel, The Knoble

» Angie M. Salazar, Deputy Associate Director, Office of Professional Responsibility, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

» Jessica Yahn, Founder, AllTru

Upholding Women, Peace and Security (WPS) is a global security strategy that builds the capacity of women to serve in key roles that uphold democracy and rule of law, including the justice sector, diplomacy, and military. Women’s participation in decision making processes on conflict, crisis, and security as well as the protection of women’s and girls’ human rights leads to a better outcome for all. Therefore, women’s equal participation in political and security decision-making is essential to achieve peace and security goals.

This general session will address:

» Current efforts to promote women in key peace and security leadership roles

» Successful international partnership models

» Public-private partnership opportunities that companies and government can leverage for new, more proactive program solutions

9:45 AM – 10:00 AM

Location: Plaza Ballroom Foyer

BREAK: Coffee and Tea Available

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Location: Beech

Lynda R. Williams

Professor of Criminal Justice Administration, Middle Tennessee State University Retired Deputy Assistant Director, U.S. Secret Service Board Member, WIFLE Foundation, Inc. and Women in Federal Law Enforcement

Queen’s Talk: Celebrate Your Triumphs, Conquer Your Challenges!

Queendom is defined as the position or status of a queen. As a result of the underrepresentation of females in law enforcement, we need to seize every opportunity to celebrate our individual and collective triumphs. During this hour of power, you will hear from our moderator and other experienced women who have faced what appeared to be insurmountable challenges; however, they handled them with the grace befitting of a queen. The “Queen’s Talk” is sure to provide you with the motivational nuggets needed to change your trajectory for the better!

NOTES

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: Juniper

Amber Jordan, Esq., Inspector Attorney

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Maureen McGough, Co-Founder, 30x30 Initiative

30x30 Initiative

USPIS Update on the 30 x30 Initiative: Getting Started after Signing the Pledge Best Practices for Federal Law Enforcement

The training will begin with an overview of the 30 x 30 initiative. It will cover the origin of the initiative at the state and local level of law enforcement and its expansion into the Federal arena with the help of WIFLE. The training will include reference to the fact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) was one of the first agencies to sign the pledge. (This first portion of the training will be facilitated by Maureen McGough, the Co-Founder of the 30 x 30 initiative).

The remainder of the training will provide a roadmap or blueprint as guidance for Federal Law Enforcement Agencies to help them navigate the process after signing the 30 x 30 pledge. The training will cover the different phases within the 30 x 30 initiative, the time frames associated with each phase, and provide ideas and examples of how to accomplish the tasks within each respective phase. The training will include a Q & A session at the end.

The Inspection Service is on pace to be the first Federal Agency to survey its employees on the topics outlined in the 30 x 30 initiative. The training will discuss best practices for creating a survey based on USPIS’ experience. The training will also address the policies that the USPIS has updated to ensure compliance with the Pump Act.

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: Hickory

Lily Mohre, Certified Financial Planner - CFP®

Vice President – Financial Consultant | Tyson’s Corner, VA

Kelly Gough, Certified Financial Planner - CFP®

Vice President – Financial Consultant | Tyson’s Corner, VA

Charles Schwab

7 Fundamentals You Need for Investing Success

Whether the participants are just starting to put an investing plan in place or are looking to update the one they have, this workshop will help them leverage essential principles to take ownership of their investment portfolio. From setting goals and expectations to rebalancing and ignoring market noise, they’ll leave this workshop with a better understanding of how to map out a plan and stay on course.

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: Walnut

Dr. Anastasia (Stacy) Pytal, Psy.D., ABPP

Police Psychologist, Helping First Responders

Dr. Jean Kanokogi, Ph,D.

Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA)

Beyond the Badge: Empowering Women for Excellence in Law Enforcement

In the dynamic realm of law enforcement, women encounter unique challenges that necessitate tailored approaches for success and fulfillment in their roles. This 60-to-90-minute presentation aims to delve into the multifaceted landscape of empowering women in law enforcement, blending empirically supported insights with real-world experiences. Through an exploration of specific challenges, such as navigating physical and mental gender differences and leveraging inherent strengths, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the nuances at play. Furthermore, the session will equip attendees with practical tools to enhance confidence, develop leadership skills, and effectively manage work-life balance, thus fostering a more inclusive and resilient law enforcement community.

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: Beech

Mercedes Johnson, Retirement and Benefits Specialist RetireFederal.com

Retirement and Benefit Considerations for Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) and Non-LEO

This presentation will take a deep dive into the retirement and benefits matters that are specific for law enforcement officers (LEOs) and will include requirements for non-LEOs as well. First, we will review the qualifications for retirement, mandatory retirement, and what are the options for LEOs who do not meet the age and service requirements at separation (early departure). Then, we will look at the computation of the retirement benefits which will include creditable service, high-3 average salary, and FERS LEO formula plus explanation of COLAs. We will calculate the supplement payment and how the earnings test works specifically for LEO retirees. Lastly, we will briefly discuss the TSP basics, which include contributions, Roth/Traditional buckets, and what makes the Roth earnings “Qualified.” There will be information on all TSP Withdrawal options after separation. Most importantly, I will explain the 10% early withdrawal penalty and how LEO retirees are exempt from this penalty.

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: Aspen

Tom Pollak, Executive Director

DC Tutoring & Mentoring Initiative

(A Program of the 501(c)(3) Civic Leadership Project

Tutor or Mentor Kids? What Does That Have to Do with You and Federal Law Enforcement?

Join us and two of our tutoring and mentoring partner organizations that serve elementary and high school students. We’ll have a wide-ranging conversation with workshop participants spanning both practical questions and our “theory of change” about how this can have an impact for WIFLE members, community members, and on society. Specific topics covered include:

» What our partner organizations do to support kids and engage volunteers.

» How workshop participants can get involved as individuals or through their federal government employer.

» How DCTMI has scaled our work to successfully recruit 4,000 volunteers in 2023.

» How this work can make a difference for both individual participants and their communities, and in national conversations and debates about how to address a host of domestic issues.

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Magnolia A&B Silent Auction – Pickup Only

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Plaza Ballroom Foyer Exhibitors – Business Vendors Only

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Terrace Room

Lunch and Networking

NOTES

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Location: Aspen

Cynthia Goss, Outreach Professional – Certified Master Trainer

Chris Prochut, Mental Health Advocate – Law Enforcement Suicide Prevention Trainer Futures Recovery Healthcare

Saved From Suicide

Have you ever wondered what goes through an officer’s mind while contemplating suicide? What is their thinking process? Why don’t they reach out for help? What is the impact on their families? Why do more officers take their own lives than in the line of duty?

In this workshop, you will hear from Chris Prochut who shares a rare glimpse from his own personal experience of living on the edge. You will learn through his own personal story what pushes officers to no return, why they don’t they seek help, how stigma plays a role, and what organizations and management can do for preventative and intervention services.

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Location: Walnut

Dr. Jean Kanokogi, Ph.D.

Director of Mental Health and Peer Support

Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA)

Rusty’s Resilience: Ordinary to Extraordinary – EmpowHERment

Experience Rusty’s inspiring journey – a judoka who fought for sport and women’s empowerment. Her story is a love story of passion and righteousness, inspiring others to embrace resilience, defy limits, and forge their path to success. By sharing her journey, I will offer her techniques and tools to inspire and empower others to embrace resilience, defy limitations, and forge their path towards success.

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Location: Chestnut

John Ripley/Stacey Ripley

Founders/Owners

Smarter Feds, LLC

How to Maximize Each Federal Benefit (While Working So You Can Retire with an Optimized and Tax Efficient Retirement Income Plan)

We seek to provide attendees with an overall understanding of their vast federal benefits and help them gain critical insights into how they can maximize future retirement income, reduce future taxation, and mitigate both market and longevity risks. The training can/will target the unique retirement challenges faced by women.

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Location: Juniper

James De La Torre, President FedAdvantage

Career Transition, Finding Your Passion

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM

Location: Plaza Ballroom Foyer

BREAK: Coffee and Tea Available

2:45 PM – 4:45 PM

Location: Plaza Ballroom (lower level)

Facilitator: Jessie L. Lane, Vice President, WIFLE Foundation, Inc., Deputy Executive Director, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc., U.S. Secret Service (Retired)

Flash Mentoring: Founders Edition

WIFLE’s Flash Mentoring session gives conference attendees an opportunity to meet “face-to-face” with high-ranking law enforcement executives and officials to discuss how to further enhance your current and future career aspirations in the field of law enforcement. You will certainly benefit from this transfer of experiential knowledge following this two-hour networking session.

4:45 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Plaza Ballroom (lower level)

Closeout – WIFLE’s 2024 Annual Leadership Training

Thank you for your continued support of WIFLE!

We look forward to seeing you in 2025!

Special Acknowledgments

The WIFLE Foundation, Inc. extends heartfelt appreciation to the most dedicated team of professionals who went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the success of the 2024 WIFLE Leadership Training: the WIFLE Board, our Senior Advisors, the Executive Committee, and all of this year’s incredible Volunteers. We offer a special thank you and commendation to Katrina Queen and Lennon Baccus of the U.S. Marshals Service and Shanita Wilkins of the U.S. Secret Service for their support of WIFLE’s onsite and virtual Career Fair. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the following WIFLE Interns from Marymount University who coordinated activities in support of this year’s career fair: Desiree Comer, Mackenzie Farrell, and Cassidy Bates.

As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we would like to take this opportunity to extend our personal gratitude to WIFLE’s beloved founders: Judith Braunstein, Betty Griffin, Mary Frances Martin, Sheree Mixell, Margaret Moore, Natalie Murphy, Monica Rocchio, Cheryl Tyler, Carol Paterick, and Founding Pro Bono Attorney Barbara Linney, Esq.

To our colleagues at CTC Conferences: Michelle Manire, Calli France, and Zia Bella Blair – you all have been exceptional! Thank you for providing the best support ever!

We would certainly be remiss if we did not extend our heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional contributions of Amber Jordan, President of Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. Executive Committee, and our highly-respected colleagues Maureen McGough and Tanya Meisenholder of the 30x30 Initiative, for their outstanding partnership over the years.

Finally, we extend our utmost congratulations to WIFLE Foundation, Inc.’s President Catrina Bonus and Vice President Jessie Lane for their perseverance, dedication, and commitment and for leading the charge as WIFLE continues to chart the course for excellence in law enforcement!

“And to all of the women in law enforcement across the country, thank you for your service. We ride at dawn.”

–Maureen McGough, Co-Founder of the 30x30 Initiative

For more information, contact Carol Paterick, carolpaterick@gmail.com, or go to

Exhibitors

Beltloops and Pockets

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Central Intelligence Agency

Department of Energy

Department of Homeland Security - Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Department of Homeland Security - Office for State and Local Law Enforcement

Department of Homeland Security - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Department of the Army - Criminal Investigation Division

Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management

Department of Treasury/ Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Diplomatic Security Services

Drug Enforcement Administration

FedAdvantage

Federal Air Marshal Service

Federal Deposit Insurance CorporationOffice of Inspector General

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEDS Protection

Fit for Duty Clothier

Futures Recovery Healthcare

Government Employees Health Association

Homeland Security Investigations

Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation

Limitless Slides

Mary Kay

NARFE Federal Benefits

Naval Criminal Investigative Service

PENLiNK

Pentagon Force Protection AgencyPentagon Police Division

Small Business Administration - Office of Inspector General

Smarter Feds Retirement Workshops

Starr Wright USA

Supreme Court of the United States Police

TYR Tactical

U.S. Air Force - Office of Special Investigations

U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations

U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityOffice of Inspector General

United Healthcare Federal Employee Health Program

United States Capitol Police

United States Marshals Service

United States Postal Inspection Service

United States Secret Service

USDA Forest Service Law Enforcement & Investigations

Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General

WIFLE’s “Looking Back and Inspiring the Future” Timeline of Events

1960 – 2024

1960s

August 8, 1969 President Richard Nixon signs Executive Order 11478 (EO 11478) providing equal opportunity in Federal employment for all persons; prohibiting discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or age; and, promoting equal employment opportunity through a continuing affirmative action program in each executive department and agency.

1970s

1971 – 1972 The first women are hired by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Following the signing of EO 11478, women were no longer barred from federal law enforcement positions based solely on their gender and were now allowed to carry firearms, execute search warrants, and make arrests equally with their male colleagues.

1978 DR. DORIS R. MCCROSSON becomes the U.S. Department of Justice representative and DOROTHY ROPER DALY becomes the U.S. Department of Treasury representative to the newly formed Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Task Force known as the Interagency Committee on Women in Federal Law Enforcement (ICWIFLE), the predecessor to today’s WIFLE organization.

1990s

1980s

June 4, 1980 JULIE Y. CROSS is the first federal female special agent to die in the line of duty. Special Agent Cross was a dedicated member of the United States Secret Service. WIFLE’s highest annual award is named in her honor, The Julie Y. Cross Award®.

June 23, 1999 MARGARET M. MOORE signed as Initial Director of Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. (WIFLE). Ms. Moore, Judith Braunstein, Betty Griffin, Mary Frances Martin, Sheree Mixell, Natalie Murphy, Monica Blodgett Rocchio, Cheryl Tyler, Carol Paterick – all of whom served honorably within the ranks of federal law enforcement – are recognized as the WIFLE Founders. Barbara Linney, General Counsel, is the Founding Pro Bono Attorney for Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Standing: L to R: Margie Moore, Judy Braunstein, Monica Rocchio, Natalie Murphy. Seated: L to R: Kathy Johnson, Cheryl Tyler, and Susan Malone. Not pictured: Betty Griffin, Mary Frances Martin, Sheree Mixell, Carol Paterick and WIFLE, Inc. General Counsel Barbara Linney.

June 28, 1999 Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. (WIFLE) is incorporated as a 501(c)6 non-profit organization. Membership is open to sworn, non-sworn, and retired members within federal, state, and local law enforcement and post-secondary students.

2000s

April 2003 WIFLE’s Annual Leadership Training was certified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) as meeting Federal standards.

March 14, 2006 WIFLE Foundation, Inc. (WIFLE) becomes a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. This educational entity sponsors annual Leadership Training, scholarships, research, and programs to benefit women in the federal law enforcement arena.

July 2000 First WIFLE Scholarship Donation by Special Agent Susan Malone, one of the first two female agents hired by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1972, donated $1,000 to fund the first WIFLE scholarship.

2010s

May 1, 2011 WIFLE publishes Pregnancy Guidelines for Federal Law Enforcement.

June 1, 2011 MARGARET MOORE, then President of the WIFLE Foundation, launches the WIFLE Executive Leadership Institute (WELI) at the Annual Leadership Training. The mission of the Institute is to educate government women leaders, and those that help women in government to excel, learn about the issues that affect all women in the U.S. and internationally and how they can become more aware of the environment in which they operate daily.

June 24, 2011 JESSIE L. LANE is the first non-sworn female to be named President of Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. Currently, Jessie is appointed as Deputy Executive Director of WIFLE, Inc. and Vice President of WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

June 17, 2014 WIFLE President CATHERINE W. SANZ, and Vice President SHEREE L. MIXELL participate in the dedication of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Headquarters’ Auditorium in honor of ATF’s first female Prohibition Investigator and Cryptanalyst ELIZEBETH SMITH FRIEDMAN. She is known for her pioneering work in fighting one of the most perilous threats of the prohibition era – transnational organized crime syndicates that controlled liquor and narcotics smuggling.

While attending the ATF dedication ceremony, WIFLE’s President Sanz announces the establishment of the Elizebeth Smith Friedman Intelligence Award of Excellence. This award honors federal law enforcement personnel, sworn and non-sworn and full-time intelligence professionals, an individual or a group.

January 29, 2015 WIFLE provides testimony to the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

September 2016 WIFLE publishes “Transforming Law Enforcement by Changing the Face of Policing 21st Century Policing: Guide to Recruiting, Hiring, Retaining and Promoting Women and Minorities.”

2020s

December 1, 2022 WIFLE proudly partners with the Initiative’s efforts to improve the representation and experiences of women in federal law enforcement in furtherance of the President’s Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing.

February 1, 2023 CATRINA BONUS is the first uniformed police officer within the executive ranks to be appointed as President of WIFLE Foundation, Inc. and Executive Director of WIFLE, Inc.

October 1, 2023 Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.’s Executive Committee President AMBER JORDAN, Inspector Attorney, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) presented an idea to broaden WIFLE’s community outreach. She worked strategically with WIFLE Foundation, Inc.’s President Catrina Bonus and Vice President Jessie Lane to establish the WIFLE Engagement and Community Impact (WECI) program and has created a direct connection between WIFLE, young girls, and the communities we serve.

May 16, 2024 During the 2024 National Police Week in Washington, D.C., WIFLE President Catrina Bonus (l) and Vice President Jessie Lane (r) attended a reception at the Department of Justice in honor of their courageous fallen heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty. WIFLE leaders are pictured here with the Honorable Merrick Garland, Attorney General of the United States, and the Honorable Lisa Monaco, Deputy Attorney General of the United States.

August 5–8, 2024 Honoring WIFLE’s 25th Anniversary

WIFLE celebrates 25 years of being an advocate for change by solidifying a strong platform for promoting gender equity in federal law enforcement. Throughout the week at our Annual Leadership Training, WIFLE’s executive leadership team fully embraces the magnitude of this occasion. Collectively, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor, acknowledge, and extend our heartfelt appreciation to WIFLE’s founders: Judith Braunstein, Betty Griffin, Mary Frances Martin, Sheree Mixell, Margaret Moore, Natalie Murphy, Monica Blodgett Rocchio, Cheryl Tyler, Carol Paterick, and WIFLE, Inc. General Counsel Barbara Linney.

WIFLE’s founders are a group of strong and courageous women whose ultimate goal was to positively impact the lives and professional careers of women. And, they did! Today, our founders can feel justifiably proud of their role in changing the trajectory and impacting the lives of scores of women they know personally – and others they have yet to meet. So, how do we say “thank you?” By remaining committed to their foundational mantras, maximizing our executive leader and professional partnerships, staying mission-focused, and continuing to be drivers for change: for women, for the law enforcement profession, for the community, and the next generation of young and inspired women and girls who are destined for excellence!

Looking Back and Inspiring the Future WIFLE

SHINES ON

Guidepost is proud to support the WIFLE Foundation and congratulate the 2024 Award and Scholarship Recipients.

guidepostsolutions com INVESTIGATIONS + COMPLIANCE + MONITORING + SECURITY CONSULTING WE ARE YOUR GUIDEPOST.

2024 Annual Leadership Training

WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

Theme: “Looking Back and Inspiring the Future”

NOTES

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