2nd Annual Women in Law Enforcement Conference

Dr. Tracie L. Keesee is a retired 25-year veteran of the Denver Police Department and former Deputy Commissioner of the New York Police Department. Dr. Keesee works to improve equity within law enforcement agencies and the vulnerable communities they serve. To do this, she works closely with communities to ensure their voices are centered in the co-production and redesigning of public safety systems.  She also uses data-driven and evidence-based interventions to help law enforcement agencies receive the resources needed to create more equitable outcomes and reduce harm.

Dr. Keesee served as Project Director of the Department of Justice-funded National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice Initiative and is the Co-Founder of the Center for Policing Equity (CPE). This research center provides decision-makers with data, stories, and relationships to facilitate bold, innovative, and lasting change. Dr. Keesee took a sabbatical from CPE in 2016 to serve the New York Police Department in several roles; first, as the Deputy Commissioner of Training for Commissioner William J. Bratton, directing the implementation of transformative initiatives, including restructuring the recruitment curriculum.

Subsequently, she served as the first-ever Deputy Commissioner of Equity and Inclusion for Commissioner O'Neill, where she was responsible for the overall organizational development and implementation of NYPD's Equity and Inclusion strategic framework. During this time, she also advised the Police Commissioner on implementing accountability systems that monitor training, recruitment, employee opportunities, and complaints to help increase the organization's ability to attract and retain an inclusive and diverse workforce.  Dr. Keesee returned to CPE in 2018 as the president until accepting a full-time associate professor position with the University of Virginia School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

In 2021, Dr. Keesee was appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council President to serve as a member of an expert mechanism tasked with advancing racial justice and equity for Africans and people of African descent in the context of law enforcement around the world.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Metropolitan State College-Denver, academic certifications in Public Policy and Public Administration and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado at Denver, a Ph.D. in Intercultural Communications from the University of Denver, and a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University. Dr. Keesee is also a graduate of the 203rd Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. She has published numerous articles across various collected anthologies and peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Chief Newsham was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and grew up in Weymouth, Massachusetts. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the College of Holy Cross, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law. Chief Newsham is currently a member in good standing of the Maryland and District of Columbia Bar Associations. He has attended numerous police executive trainings and seminars and was actively involved in the Major Cities Chief’s Association, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Police Executive Research Forum. Additionally, he has attended the Harvard University’s Public Safety Summit, the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) training on Law and Society, the ADL’s National Counter-Terrorism Seminar in Israel, and is a graduate of the FBI’s National Executive Institute.

In 1989, Chief Newsham joined the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., where he served in several operational assignments before being named Chief of Police in 2016. Chief Newsham retired from the Metropolitan Police Department in January of 2021 after 31 years of service.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors announced Chief Newsham as the new Police Chief for Prince William County in November 2020 following a nationwide search. Newsham was sworn in as Chief of Police on February 1, 2021.

Charles “Andy” Penn was appointed as the Chief of the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) on June 4, 2021, following a nine-month period as the Acting Chief of Police. During his tenure as Acting Chief, Penn provided oversight, direction and strategic planning for all aspects of the Police Department. He is committed to advancing best practices in policing and identified and focused departmental efforts in several key areas including implementing a Body Worn Camera Program, establishing internal workgroups to review police practices, including creating an Bias-Free Policing policy, and legislative changes and joining area law enforcement agencies in the formation of the Northern Virginia Critical Incident Response Team. Penn will guide the agency during a transitional time in law enforcement while focusing on trust, transparency, accountability and communications. Penn has served with the ACPD for over 30 years, beginning his career as a patrol officer in 1992. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police in July 2015. In this role, Penn led the Operations Division, overseeing the daily operations of two Patrol Sections, Community Resource Section, Tactical Operations Section, Operation Support Section and the Special Operations Section. He also led the Systems Management Division, which oversees the Human Resources Management Section, Support Management Section, Training Unit, Tactical Training Unit, Property and Evidence Unit, Procurement and the Fiscal Management Unit. Penn has extensive investigative experience having previously held positions in the Auto Theft Unit, Homicide/Robbery Unit and the Internal Affairs Section. Penn is committed to being actively engaged in the Arlington community. Throughout his tenure, he has worked in numerous collaborative partnerships with community organizations, advocacy groups, law enforcement partners and government agencies. As leader of the Second District Community Policing Team, he worked to develop strong partnerships with community members and businesses to address public safety concerns. He remains committed to working collaboratively with the Arlington community to build and maintain community trust and safety. Penn holds a bachelor’s degree from Radford University in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Security Studies (Homeland Security) from the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense & Security. He has undertaken study in several educational programs, including the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), as well as, the FBI National Academy. When he is not actively engaged as a member of ACPD, Penn serves as an Adjunct Professor at Marymount University and a Board Member of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police. He has been married to his wife for over 30 years and they have three adult children.

Kevin Davis currently serves as the 11th Police Chief for the Fairfax County Police Department – Virginia’s largest police agency and the nation’s 33rd largest.

Davis led the Baltimore Police Department as its 39th Police Commissioner from 2015 to 2018 following a period of historic unrest and during the Department of Justice’s civil rights investigation. Davis negotiated a federal court-ordered consent decree with DOJ during a Presidential transition of power. He has substantial crisis leadership experience in the national spotlight. Davis has built a reputation as a collaborative leader and consensus builder amongst diverse community groups, faith communities, elected officials, law enforcement peers and business partners. Recently asked by the French National Police to detail police officers to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Davis partnered with the Embassy of France to participate along with just three other police departments from the United States. He inaugurated Northern Virginia’s first Real Time Crime Center in 2022 and serves on the Executive Advisory Board for Cellebrite, an international digital investigations organization.

Prior to leading the nation’s 8th largest police department in Baltimore, Davis served as Police Chief for the Anne Arundel County, Maryland Police Department and retired as the Assistant Police Chief for the Prince George’s County, Maryland Police Department. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and FBI National Executive Institute. Davis currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Policing Institute. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Vice-Chair of the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, First Vice President of the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association, member of the Maryland Governor’s Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board and member of the Commission on Judicial Disabilities, an independent body that hears complaints made against Maryland judges.

Recently recognized as one of The 50 Most Influential People by the Northern Virginia Magazine and previously recognized by the Maryland Daily Record as an Influential Marylander, Davis earned a Master’s Degree in Management from Johns Hopkins University and Bachelor’s Degree in English from Towson University. He has been recognized by the Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association with its Woodrow Wilson Award for Distinguished Government Service and is one of 20 alumni from DeMatha Catholic High School to ever receive its Distinguished Alumnus Award. A fourth-generation public safety servant, Davis was born and raised in College Park, home to Maryland’s flagship University. He was awarded the Key to the City of College Park.

During a stint in the corporate world, Davis served as GardaWorld’s Director of Security Consulting Services and Chief Security Officer for Armored Things in Boston. He was an adjunct professor at American University and lecturer at The Catholic University of America, both in Washington, D.C. Davis regularly lectures about crisis leadership at the FBI National Academy.

Dr. Tracie L. Keesee is a retired 25-year veteran of the Denver Police Department and former Deputy Commissioner of the New York Police Department. Dr. Keesee works to improve equity within law enforcement agencies and the vulnerable communities they serve. To do this, she works closely with communities to ensure their voices are centered in the co-production and redesigning of public safety systems.  She also uses data-driven and evidence-based interventions to help law enforcement agencies receive the resources needed to create more equitable outcomes and reduce harm.

Dr. Keesee served as Project Director of the Department of Justice-funded National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice Initiative and is the Co-Founder of the Center for Policing Equity (CPE). This research center provides decision-makers with data, stories, and relationships to facilitate bold, innovative, and lasting change. Dr. Keesee took a sabbatical from CPE in 2016 to serve the New York Police Department in several roles; first, as the Deputy Commissioner of Training for Commissioner William J. Bratton, directing the implementation of transformative initiatives, including restructuring the recruitment curriculum.

Subsequently, she served as the first-ever Deputy Commissioner of Equity and Inclusion for Commissioner O'Neill, where she was responsible for the overall organizational development and implementation of NYPD's Equity and Inclusion strategic framework. During this time, she also advised the Police Commissioner on implementing accountability systems that monitor training, recruitment, employee opportunities, and complaints to help increase the organization's ability to attract and retain an inclusive and diverse workforce.  Dr. Keesee returned to CPE in 2018 as the president until accepting a full-time associate professor position with the University of Virginia School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

In 2021, Dr. Keesee was appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council President to serve as a member of an expert mechanism tasked with advancing racial justice and equity for Africans and people of African descent in the context of law enforcement around the world.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Metropolitan State College-Denver, academic certifications in Public Policy and Public Administration and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado at Denver, a Ph.D. in Intercultural Communications from the University of Denver, and a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University. Dr. Keesee is also a graduate of the 203rd Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. She has published numerous articles across various collected anthologies and peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Assistant Chief Tina Laguna has been a law enforcement servant for 30 years. She began her career with Manassas City Police Department (VA) as a Dispatcher, and four years later, she was re-hired as a police officer. Assistant Chief Laguna was promoted to several positions, including detective, sergeant, and lieutenant. While in Manassas, Chief Laguna was promoted to Captain and Assistant Chief of Police, becoming the first woman and person of color to achieve this rank and title. Some of her key assignments included Budgeting, Strategic Planning, Patrol and Traffic Services Division Commander, Special Operations, and Investigative Services Division Commander.

After retiring from Manassas in October 2023, Assistant Chief Laguna joined the Alexandria Police Department (VA) as the Administrative and Technology Bureau Commander. She leads Recruitment, Hiring and Retention, Emergency Readiness, Training, Human Resources, Labor Relations, Accreditation, and Technology Services. During her short tenure, Chief Laguna led the agency to its 12th CALEA accreditation. She developed three new supervisory promotional processes and created an internal first-line supervisor training program. Still a trailblazer, Assistant Chief Laguna is the highest-ranking African American woman in the history of Alexandria PD.

Assistant Chief Laguna is committed to healing communities and police agencies, and she has demonstrated this through active community engagement. She has collaborated with community leaders, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions to enhance police/community relationships. She has been an instructor, panelist, and presenter for several police academies, organizations, and businesses. Chief Laguna is the Financial Secretary for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and a Past Chair of Leadership Prince William (VA). She is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP).

Assistant Chief Laguna has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from George Mason University and a graduate certificate in Management and Leadership from Liberty University. Chief Laguna is a certified instructor through the Department of Criminal Justice Services (VA), and a Certified Law Enforcement Command Executive through the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation. She is a graduate of the Professional Executive Leadership School (PELS) from the University of Richmond, Robins School of Business, and the F.B.I. National Academy, Session 242.

Assistant Chief Laguna is bilingual, speaking English and Spanish. She is happily married to her best friend, Juan, and has two stepchildren: Adriana and Quinton.

Lieutenant Jasmine Senn with the Arlington County Police Department, I am entering my 20th year of dedicated service. I spent my first decade in patrol before transitioning into investigations, where I served on two federal task forces. Following my promotion to Sergeant, I played a key role in establishing our department’s Community Engagement Division. As a Lieutenant, I initially served as the daywork Watch Commander before assuming my current role within the Special Operations Section where I oversee over 40 members of the agencies professional staff. I hold a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University and am a proud mother to two wonderful children who now attend my alma mater. Among all professional accomplishments, my most meaningful has been maintaining mentor relationships with youth I encountered through the course of my career—an enduring reminder of the impact we can have beyond the badge.

Lisa Singleton joined the Lynchburg Police Department in 2002. She is currently the Captain of the Administration Bureau. Throughout her career, she has worked in Field Operations Patrol, Vice & Narcotics Unit, Criminal Investigations Division, Traffic & Safety Unit, and the Office of the Chief of Police. Most recently she has served as a Staff Lieutenant, Commander of the Crisis Negotiations Team, and the LPD Public Information Officer.   

Captain Lisa Singleton graduated from East Carolina University in 2000 with a BA in Political Science and an International Studies minor. She has completed several leadership programs including: Institute for Leadership in Changing Times, Professional Executive Leadership School, and National Criminal Justice Command College through the University of Virginia (UVA).  She has received career awards for Meritorious Service, Honorable Service, and Firearm Proficiency.   

Captain Singleton was the President of the Lynchburg Police Helping Hands Foundation, a local non-profit organization, that raises money to assist LPD employees and their families during times of need.   

Shayna Duke is an influential Human Resources leader with nearly sixteen years of experience driving impactful change across manufacturing and organizational development. Known for championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, Shayna has led transformative initiatives, built high-performing teams, and enhanced training systems and business processes. Her expertise spans leadership development, labor relations, and strategic improvement efforts that strengthen organizational culture and results.

Shayna holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s in Organization Development from Bowling Green State University. She is deeply committed to helping individuals grow into the best version of themselves—both personally and professionally.

Born and raised in Bowling Green, Ohio, Shayna currently serves on the Board of Directors for Women of Toledo, advocating for women’s economic empowerment and inclusive community building. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her husband, baking, crafting, and spending quality time with her son.

Melissa Lubin joined the University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies as Dean in September 2022. 

Previously, she served as Dean of Professional & Continuing Education and Chief Economic Engagement Officer at James Madison University. In this role, she oversaw a continuum of learning through every stage and phase of life, work and play, including the Bachelor of Individualized Studies degree completion programs for non-traditional students, Online and Distance Learning graduate degrees and certificate programs, Non-credit professional development programming, Youth enrichment programs, the Lifelong Learning Institute, and the Madison Center for Community Development. Melissa served as the university champion for community engagement and economic development, linking the needs of business, government, community and education through expanding collaboration and public-private partnerships. She is a “practitioner-scholar” who infuses an entrepreneurial spirit to her work in the academy.

Before James Madison University, Melissa was at Virginia Tech, where she was the director of the university’s Commonwealth Campus Centers in Richmond, Newport News, and Virginia Beach, where they created, customized, and facilitated a series of human development programming for organizations in the private and public sector. She is a credentialed executive coach through the International Coach Federation, a master practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and certified in the EQi emotional intelligence assessment. Prior to Virginia Tech, she held leadership positions in the private sector, including the Apollo Group, Circuit City Inc., and This End Up Furniture.

Melissa earned a Ph.D. in Adult Learning and Human Resource Development from Virginia Tech’s School of Human Development, a Master in Business Administration from Georgia Southern University, and a Bachelor of General Studies from Armstrong State College. Her research interests include andragogy, mentoring, and coaching. She is passionate about learning beyond the degree, empowering individuals to expand their own body of knowledge throughout adulthood to positively impact the well-being of our society. 

Melissa and her husband Neil (Regional Sales Manager with Tension, Inc.) have a son, D.C. who is a freshman at James Madison University. They share their home with a Siamese cat (Gilligan) and a border collie (Skipper). In her personal time, Melissa loves to spend time with her family relaxing and boating on the Chesapeake Bay. 

Learn more about her background and career.

Jessenia Ogunade is a licensed social worker, educator, executive coach, and retired NYPD officer with nearly three decades of experience at the intersection of law enforcement, trauma recovery, and culturally responsive mental health care. A first-generation, bilingual Afro-Latina woman of Dominican descent, Mrs. Ogunade brings a deeply personal and systemic lens to her work, centering the experiences of communities impacted by intergenerational trauma, structural inequality, and institutional neglect.

Following a 20-year career with the New York City Police Department—where her final role in the Co-Response Unit involved supporting individuals with severe mental illness entangled in the criminal justice system—Mrs. Ogunade established Larimar Counseling Services LMSW, PLLC, based in Middletown, NY. Her practice specializes in the treatment of trauma and grief, with a focus on law enforcement professionals, particularly women and bodies of culture. She is trained in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) models and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), equipping her to support first responders with compassion and expertise.

Mrs. Ogunade is certified in Executive and Leadership Coaching, expanding her reach beyond clinical care to include professional development and mentorship for leaders navigating high-stakes environments. Her coaching approach blends emotional insight, cultural awareness, and practical strategies to foster confidence, clarity, and impact in those she supports.

She currently serves as a faculty member and clinical supervisor in the Trauma Studies Department at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy in New York City. Her teaching is guided by a social constructionist philosophy—emphasizing that meaning, identity, and healing are co-created within social, cultural, and relational contexts. She is known for her integrative, justice-informed approach to clinical education and mentorship, fostering spaces of curiosity, accountability, and transformation.

As a PhD candidate in the International Psychology program at The Chicago School, Mrs. Ogunade’s research explores the role of power and privilege. Her work bridges local and global systems, and she is committed to advancing trauma-informed, culturally grounded interventions that challenge dominant narratives and promote equity.

In addition to her clinical, academic, and coaching roles, Mrs. Ogunade serves on the Orange County Community Services Board and consults with public and private organizations on mental health strategy, law enforcement wellness, and trauma-responsive leadership. She is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and advisor who brings both lived experience and scholarly insight to every space she enters.

In her personal time, she enjoys traveling the world and spending time with her family—continuing her lifelong pursuit of connection, healing, and cultural exploration.

Tara Hall brings over 20 years of public safety leadership and currently serves in a professional staff command-level role, overseeing operations and personnel in the Community Relations & Recruitment Division of the Mesa Police Department. In 2024, she co-authored “Pioneering Integration and Leadership in Law Enforcement” for Police Chief Magazine and was featured in Police1 for transforming Mesa PD’s recruitment culture. Tara also led the implementation of the department’s 2022–2024 Strategic Recruitment Plan, modernizing efforts to attract and retain a qualified, diverse workforce.

Beyond her role in Mesa, Tara provides technical assistance to law enforcement agencies nationwide through partnerships with federal and national policing organizations, including the COPS Office, DOJ, and IACP. In 2025, Tara was named NAWLEE’s Professional Staff Leader of the Year. She serves on the advisory board of the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety (NAPSPS), and contributes to the strategic development of the University of Virginia’s annual Civilian Leadership Summit. Tara holds degrees from Northern Arizona University and has completed executive leadership training in policing. She enjoys traveling with her family and leading efforts across the country in public safety transformation.

Diana began her career with the Mesa Police Department in 2004 and currently serves as the Training Division Commander overseeing advanced training, recruit training and the firearms range. Diana previously served as the criminal investigation lieutenant overseeing homicide and the cold case unit. Diana has served in many positions including tactical lieutenant overseeing SWAT, crisis negotiations, explosive ordinance, and canine, domestic violence detective and sergeant, internal affairs sergeant, hiring/recruiting division lieutenant, communications center manager, as well as other assignments.

Diana previously served on the board for Mesa Leadership and the Salvation Army and currently serves on the board for Oakwood Creative Care. Diana holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a master’s degree in public administration. Diana is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, and Northwestern University Center for Public Service. Diana served in the United States Navy on active duty for four years prior to her career in law enforcement.

Diana believes in a bright future and our ability to navigate successful personal and professional lives. As a wife and mother, she facilitates courses through love leadership. She believes in building relationships that are sustainable, accessible, and purposeful.

Diana provides keynotes, leadership development classes, strategic planning, and executive coaching. Diana is married and enjoys cooking, camping, sports with her kids and traveling.

Dr. Tanya Meisenholder is the Director of Police Research at the NYU School of Law’s Policing Project, where she leads the 30x30 Initiative to advance and support women in policing. She also supports initiatives related to alternative response models, public safety technology, and legislation.

Tanya brings nearly three decades of experience in law enforcement, primarily with the New York City Police Department, where she served in senior leadership roles including Chief of Staff and Deputy Commissioner. She led major efforts to transform training, accountability, recruitment, and organizational culture, and has supported national initiatives, oversight bodies, and local strategies to strengthen trust between police and the communities they serve.

Her work focuses on translating research into action to help agencies implement measurable improvements in policy, workplace culture, and public safety outcomes. She has guided organizational change across complex public safety systems and continues to support cross-sector collaboration to build more fair and effective agencies.

Tanya earned her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the University at Albany (SUNY), is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police, and holds certifications as a Modern Chief Diversity Officer and in Equal Employment Opportunity investigations from Cornell University. She serves on the advisory boards of the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety, and has held advisory roles with the National Center for State Courts and the NYC Mayor’s Automated Decision Systems Task Force.

Maureen "Mo" McGough is the co-founder of the 30x30 Initiative, a national movement improving both the representation and experiences of women in law enforcement in the US and Canada. She also serves as the strategic advisor for the Center for Excellence in Policing and Public Safety (EPPS) at the University of South Carolina School of Law, where she was also the founding Executive Director. Previously, she served as Chief of Strategic Initiatives for the Policing Project at the New York University School of Law, where she oversaw collaborative efforts to establish basic minimum standards for fair and effective policing. Maureen spent a decade with the federal government in various roles with the US Department of Justice and US Department of State. She served as Senior Policy Advisor to the Director of the National Institute of Justice where she led agency efforts to advance evidence-based policing, implement systems-level criminal justice reform initiatives, and support counter-poaching efforts in East Africa. Additional federal experience includes serving as counsel on terrorism prevention to the Deputy Attorney General, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, and coordinator for federal AIDS relief efforts through the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda. Maureen is a member of the FBI’s Law Enforcement Education and Training Council, an executive board member for the American Society of Evidence-Based Policing, and is a recent public leadership executive fellow with the Brookings Institution. Maureen is an attorney and earned her J.D. from the George Washington University Law School.

Assistant Chief Tina Laguna has been a law enforcement servant for 30 years. She began her career with Manassas City Police Department (VA) as a Dispatcher, and four years later, she was re-hired as a police officer. Assistant Chief Laguna was promoted to several positions, including detective, sergeant, and lieutenant. While in Manassas, Chief Laguna was promoted to Captain and Assistant Chief of Police, becoming the first woman and person of color to achieve this rank and title. Some of her key assignments included Budgeting, Strategic Planning, Patrol and Traffic Services Division Commander, Special Operations, and Investigative Services Division Commander.

After retiring from Manassas in October 2023, Assistant Chief Laguna joined the Alexandria Police Department (VA) as the Administrative and Technology Bureau Commander. She leads Recruitment, Hiring and Retention, Emergency Readiness, Training, Human Resources, Labor Relations, Accreditation, and Technology Services. During her short tenure, Chief Laguna led the agency to its 12th CALEA accreditation. She developed three new supervisory promotional processes and created an internal first-line supervisor training program. Still a trailblazer, Assistant Chief Laguna is the highest-ranking African American woman in the history of Alexandria PD.

Assistant Chief Laguna is committed to healing communities and police agencies, and she has demonstrated this through active community engagement. She has collaborated with community leaders, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions to enhance police/community relationships. She has been an instructor, panelist, and presenter for several police academies, organizations, and businesses. Chief Laguna is the Financial Secretary for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and a Past Chair of Leadership Prince William (VA). She is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP).

Assistant Chief Laguna has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from George Mason University and a graduate certificate in Management and Leadership from Liberty University. Chief Laguna is a certified instructor through the Department of Criminal Justice Services (VA), and a Certified Law Enforcement Command Executive through the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation. She is a graduate of the Professional Executive Leadership School (PELS) from the University of Richmond, Robins School of Business, and the F.B.I. National Academy, Session 242.

Assistant Chief Laguna is bilingual, speaking English and Spanish. She is happily married to her best friend, Juan, and has two stepchildren: Adriana and Quinton.

Gelila Getaneh is a Program Coordinator in the Strategic Projects Office at the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). With over 15 years of experience in strategic implementation, program management, and resource optimization, she has led impactful initiatives across government, nonprofit, and international organizations. Prior to MPD, Gelila served as Director of Operations at the DC Mayor’s Office on African Affairs, Assistant Director at Friendship Place, and held roles at the NYC Department of Health, UNICEF, and the International Organization for Migration. She holds a BA from Concordia University and an MPA from New York University.

Retired Chief Angela Greene is a dedicated law enforcement executive with over two decades of public service in Virginia municipalities. Angela is an African American female born to immigrant parents in Union, New Jersey. She is also a mother of three adult children, a 19-year-old daughter, a 24-year-old daughter, and a 28- year-old son who is currently a Chesapeake, Virginia firefighter/paramedic. 

Angela Greene began her law enforcement career in 2001 when she joined the City of Richmond Police Department, where she moved through the ranks achieving the position of Captain. 

In 2016, she was appointed Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Portsmouth Police Department. In that role, she oversaw Uniform Patrol Operations, Special Operations, SWAT, Civil Disturbance Team, Traffic Unit, Street Crimes Unit, School Resource Officers, K9 Unit, Mounted Unit, Marine Patrol Unit, Auxiliary Officers, and Police Chaplains. 

In 2019, she was appointed Chief of Police in the City of Portsmouth, where she was responsible for approximately 259 sworn police officers, 20 part-time auxiliary police officers, and 75 civilian employees. During her tenure, she was instrumental in formulating the vision and implementation of community engagement and crime reduction programs. 

In May 2021, she became Chief of Police in Lexington, Virginia. She retired from that position in August 2025 after successfully leading the department with a focus on transparency, community trust, and collaborative partnerships. 

Following her retirement, Chief Greene was appointed Director of Organized Retail Crime for the Virginia Attorney General’s Office. In this statewide leadership role, she directs efforts to coordinate with local law enforcement agencies, Commonwealth’s Attorneys, and retailers to disrupt organized retail crime networks and keep communities safe across Virginia. 

Angela Greene’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Pre-Law and Political Science, a master’s degree in public administration from Old Dominion University, and she is currently in the dissertation phase of her PhD in Public Administration at Liberty University. 

Currently she serves on the Virginia Maternal Mortality Review Team, appointed by the Governor. Previously, she served on several law enforcement boards and commissions, including 3rd Vice President of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, Commissioner for the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission, and Vice Chair of the Cardinal Criminal Justice Regional Training Academy.

Michelle Duquette is a seasoned Aviation Executive Strategist with extensive experience bridging engineering and operations within the aviation ecosystem. With a robust background in the airline industry and over 20 years of strategic advisory roles for the federal government, Michelle brings a broad and operationally deep perspective to her work. As the Founder of 3 MAD Air, Michelle leverages her expertise to consult on UAS and Advanced Air Mobility operations, civil-military integration, and public-private partnerships. She focuses on transforming complex challenges into actionable solutions through collaboration, risk mitigation, issue facilitation, and developing compelling narratives. Michelle excels at operationalizing missions to achieve results, driving regulatory strategy, operational excellence, and innovative solutions. Previously, Michelle was a Senior Principal at The MITRE Corporation, leading a multi-million dollar research portfolio spanning drone and AAM risk assessment, technical efficiencies for the FAA, aerospace forecasting, security vulnerabilities analysis, and cross-federal agency UAS integration harmonization. Her role involved delivering objective counsel to FAA and DOD executives, facilitating government-industry collaboration, and guiding the industry through the evolving FAA approval landscape. Michelle's career began as an Aircraft Dispatcher at CommuteAir dba USAir Express and Federal Express, where she developed custom flight following systems, developed and administered training curriculum, and contributed to corporate operational transitions. Her professional affiliations include serving on Advisory Boards, including DRONERESPONDERS serving the Public Safety community and the XPONENTIAL Executive Steering Committee for the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International. Michelle is a motivator and leader known for her persistence, intuition, operational creativity, and ability to navigate difficult conversations. She continues to drive strategic partnerships and innovative solutions within the aviation industry.

Suzanna Hasnay is President of Fredericksburg, Virginia-based PoliceSpirit, LLC, whose purpose is training in mindfulness-based strategies for human performance, leadership and well-being primarily for law enforcement, public safety and security professionals. In addition, she is part of Eagle Security Group of VA through which she is contracted to train via the FBI Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG). Through CIRG, she reaches multi-agency EOD operators, leadership and public affairs teams, FBI National Academy and more, training in optimal performance and resilience.

Suzanna is a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent with over 20 years of law enforcement experience. Upon her FBI retirement, she developed and led the mindfulness program for the FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) and Tactical Section. Shortly thereafter, she became its first ever mindfulness and yoga coach, as well as a mindfulness trainer for HRT’s New Operator Training School (NOTS) and specialized FBI bomb technicians. She was co-founder of and lead instructor for PEAK, a mindfulness-based human performance training program for mission critical teams, the first (and only) of its kind in the FBI. In 2023, she developed the first mindfulness curriculum for New Agent Trainees at the FBI Academy. Additionally, she closely collaborates with Mindful Badge of Oregon and Inner Edge Meditation of Wisconsin through which she is a co-trainer in immersive emotional agility training and coaching for first responders around the country.

Suzanna holds a B.A. in Dance from the University of Akron, Ohio, an M.A. in Business from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and post graduate work in Exercise Science from Cleveland State University. She is former Adjunct Faculty in leadership and officer resilience for the University of Virginia at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and for Notre Dame College of Ohio in exercise science and kinesiology. For more than a decade, she has been a sought-after presenter and trainer around the world, including for Axon/Taser, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, FBI, Australian Institute of Police Management, Ontario Police College, International Law Enforcement Academy in Hungary, FBI National Academy Associates, National Command Course Association and more.

In 2013, she was a member of mountaineer Ed Viesturs’ Mount Rainier climbing team and, in 2022 and 2024, respectfully, she completed the treks to Mt. Everest and Annapurna Base Camps in Nepal. An E-RYT 500 advanced level yoga teacher, Suzanna is also a certified Mindfulness Coach for Law Enforcement and Public Safety through UC-San Diego School of Medicine and Mindful Badge.

Dr. Tracie L. Keesee is a retired 25-year veteran of the Denver Police Department and former Deputy Commissioner of the New York Police Department. Dr. Keesee works to improve equity within law enforcement agencies and the vulnerable communities they serve. To do this, she works closely with communities to ensure their voices are centered in the co-production and redesigning of public safety systems.  She also uses data-driven and evidence-based interventions to help law enforcement agencies receive the resources needed to create more equitable outcomes and reduce harm.

Dr. Keesee served as Project Director of the Department of Justice-funded National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice Initiative and is the Co-Founder of the Center for Policing Equity (CPE). This research center provides decision-makers with data, stories, and relationships to facilitate bold, innovative, and lasting change. Dr. Keesee took a sabbatical from CPE in 2016 to serve the New York Police Department in several roles; first, as the Deputy Commissioner of Training for Commissioner William J. Bratton, directing the implementation of transformative initiatives, including restructuring the recruitment curriculum.

Subsequently, she served as the first-ever Deputy Commissioner of Equity and Inclusion for Commissioner O'Neill, where she was responsible for the overall organizational development and implementation of NYPD's Equity and Inclusion strategic framework. During this time, she also advised the Police Commissioner on implementing accountability systems that monitor training, recruitment, employee opportunities, and complaints to help increase the organization's ability to attract and retain an inclusive and diverse workforce.  Dr. Keesee returned to CPE in 2018 as the president until accepting a full-time associate professor position with the University of Virginia School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

In 2021, Dr. Keesee was appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council President to serve as a member of an expert mechanism tasked with advancing racial justice and equity for Africans and people of African descent in the context of law enforcement around the world.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Metropolitan State College-Denver, academic certifications in Public Policy and Public Administration and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado at Denver, a Ph.D. in Intercultural Communications from the University of Denver, and a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University. Dr. Keesee is also a graduate of the 203rd Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. She has published numerous articles across various collected anthologies and peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Carrie Hemmen is the Vice President of Software Sales with Motorola Solutions. She oversees sales teams in Southeast and West regions of North America serving state and local public safety agencies. Carrie serves on the NAWLEE Board of Directors, as well as the Phoenix Police Foundation Board of Directors.
Prior to joining Motorola Solutions, Carrie spent 20 years in public safety. She began her career at the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office in Florida where she began as a dispatcher and rose through the ranks to Communications Director. Following a move to Arizona, she served as the Communications Director for the City of Avondale Police Department. Carrie retired from public safety in 2008, and began her second career with Motorola Solutions, combining her passion for public safety and technology.

Carrie obtained a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Rollins College, and an Associates of Arts from Valencia College. She has received many awards and recognition in both careers for exemplary performance and leadership.

Carrie lives in Arizona with her husband and daughter. They are a family of public safety with her husband currently serving as a Major with AZ DPS, and her daughter recently began her career in records at the Avondale Police Department.

Lynette Falzone is currently an Assistant Chief with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. She oversees the Operations Bureau. This bureau is comprised of Patrol, Special Operations, Operations Support and other specialized teams, designed to address the safety of our community. Lynette teaches various mental health and leadership topics and coordinates the department’s Peer Support Team. Lynette is also a certified EQ-I 360 and 2.0 practitioner and provides agency/corporate training and executive coaching on emotional intelligence topics.

Prior to her promotion, Lynette was assigned to the Investigations Bureau as a Major, where she used innovative practices to advance the investigative capabilities. She also served in the Support Services Bureau as an acting Major, where she assisted in building the Psychological Services Program, as well as supervising many of the agency’s critical support units. Lynette has worked at various levels in all three bureaus within the agency. Lynette has been with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department since 2000. Prior to working at FLPD, Lynette was a communications operator with the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Lynette obtained her Master’s degree in Administration with a Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management and Planning from Lynn University (graduated magna cum laude with honors); her Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice Management from Lynn University; and an Associate of Arts in Psychology from Broward College. She holds a graduate certificate from the University of Virginia as well as a Human Resources Management certificate from Florida Atlantic University. Professional education in the field includes completion of the prestigious FBI National Academy (NA 283), Senior Management Institute for Police/Police Executive Research Forum (SMIP 86), the University of Louisville Southern Police Institute Command Officer Development Course (CODC 75), the Executive Leadership Program from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, Naval Post Graduate School as well as completion of the Florida Leadership Academy from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. 

In 2017, Lynette was awarded the International Association of Chiefs of Police 40 under 40 Award, as well as a Past Presidents’ scholarship award from the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives. Lynette serves on the Executive Board for the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) as the 2nd Vice President, and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), International Association of Women Police (IAWP), as well as the Fort Lauderdale Black Police Officer’s Association (BPOA).

Outside of work, Lynette is a mother to 10-year-old twins, a son and a daughter. Lynette enjoys time with her family, as well as traveling and outdoor activities.

Lieutenant Astrid Robinson had 25 years of law enforcement experience. She received a college degree from Hawaii Pacific University in Justice Administration. Lieutenant Robinson began her law enforcement career with the Virginia State Police as a trooper in 1989. Later in 2001, she joined Prince William County Police Department.  Lieutenant Robinson served two years in Patrol, then became a detective in the Criminal Investigations Division serving in the Property Crimes, Robbery, and Homicide Units. During this time, she received a Valor Award for a shooting incident in 2005. Upon promotion to Sergeant, she transferred back to Patrol and then to Personnel and was responsible for recruiting. Lieutenant Robinson later went to the Robbery and Homicide Unit and was promoted in place as a First Sergeant. After serving there for four years, she was promoted to Lieutenant in Operations as a Watch Commander. Lieutenant Robinson completed her career as an Assistant Academy Director and was instrumental in developing the Women’s Mentorship Program for the Prince William County Police Department. 

Sergeant Alexander is a 12 year veteran of the Manassas City Police Department and is currently serving in the Special Problems Unit within the Patrol Services Division. 

Throughout her MCPD career, Sgt. Alexander has accumulated an extensive range of experience in the Patrol Division and was selected to be assigned as a narcotics detective in the Investigative Services Division. Her expertise in narcotics investigations is bolstered by significant trainings and specialized programs she has successfully completed.

Sgt. Alexander’s accolades include Officer of the Year, Field Training Officer, Chief’s Peer Review Committee Member, LawFit Instructor, Evidence Tech, CIT Trained, Bike Team Member, Valor Award recipient, and numerous Merit Awards and Employee of the Month recognitions. 

Gina Lapihuska is a dedicated law enforcement professional with nine years of experience with the Prince William County Police Department. A Prince William County native, her upbringing within a family deeply involved in law enforcement instilled in her a strong sense of duty and service. She started as a 9-1-1 telecommunicator, and she currently serves as a FOIA Compliance Specialist in the Chief’s Office. 

A Criminal Justice student at Penn State University, Gina is actively involved in several department initiatives. She is a proud member of the Women’s Mentorship Program, Drone Team, and part-time Criminal Intelligence Analyst Unit. Additionally, she serves as Hall Manager for the Prince William County Police Association, demonstrating her dedication to professional development and community engagement. 

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children, photography, beach outings, jet skiing, and caring for her rescue dog, Willow. 

Dr. Leah Kaylor is a licensed clinical and prescribing psychologist, trauma specialist, and sleep expert dedicated to improving the mental health and resilience of first responders and law enforcement professionals. With extensive expertise in forensic psychology, trauma treatment, and sleep science, she has devoted her career to helping those who serve and protect manage the unique psychological burdens of their work.

Dr. Kaylor earned her Master’s in Forensic Mental Health Counseling from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Saint Louis University, and her Postdoctoral Master’s in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Dr. Kaylor integrates both therapy and medication management into her clinical approach.

During her residency at the Memphis VA Medical Center, she worked in the sleep clinic, treating veterans and active-duty personnel with insomnia, nightmares, and CPAP adherence. She also provided crisis response and psychological debriefings for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMTs.

Currently, Dr. Kaylor serves as a clinical psychologist for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), providing trauma therapy and psychological debriefings for agents exposed to high-risk situations, including officer-involved shootings, exposure to graphic crime scenes, and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). She is certified in EMDR and Brainspotting—leading treatments for processing trauma—and has facilitated debriefings for some of the FBI’s most impactful events.

Recognized as the FBI’s sleep expert, Dr. Kaylor specializes in optimizing rest and recovery for individuals in high-stress environments. She provides tailored sleep coaching, addressing challenges like shift work, irregular schedules, and cumulative sleep deprivation. She works closely with law enforcement and first responders to develop evidence-based strategies that enhance sleep quality, resilience, and overall well-being.

As a sought-after speaker, Dr. Kaylor delivers large-scale presentations and expert-led workshops on sleep science, fatigue management, and performance optimization for federal agencies and law enforcement organizations across the country. She translates complex research into practical strategies, empowering individuals and teams to improve their sleep habits and, in turn, enhance their decision-making, situational awareness, and long-term health.

Dr. Kaylor has authored five book chapters and over 25 peer-reviewed articles. She frequently contributes to mainstream media discussions on sleep, with features in Forbes, Newsweek, NBC, Yahoo News, and more. She has held adjunct teaching positions at several universities, educating students on psychological, forensic, and psychopharmacological topics.

Her expertise in sleep, trauma, and resilience makes her a sought-after clinician, educator, and speaker for professionals seeking science-backed strategies to improve mental health and long-term performance in high-stress careers.

Stacy is a licensed psychologist and a former law enforcement officer. She is Board Certified in Police and Public Safety Psychology and a Diplomate in Police Psychology by the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology. In November 2021, she completed Yale University School of Management Executive Education's Women's Leadership Program. She is a certified Hostage Negotiator and trained to perform Psychological Autopsies.

Her professional focus and expertise involve working with law enforcement officers and their loved ones on issues related to trauma, depression, anxiety, and officer wellness. Dr. Pytal speaks nationally and internationally for federal law enforcement agencies. She is a founding member and serves as the Mental Health Liaison for Survivors of Blue Suicide Foundation.

Dr. Jean Kanokogi, PhD, is a retired Senior Special Agent for the U.S. Government with over 25 years of distinguished service. A 9/11 first responder and lead investigator on high-profile case. Dr. Jean holds a B.S. and M.S. in Criminal Justice and a Ph.D. in Psychology, blending tactical experience with academic rigor.

As Director of Mental Health and Peer Support Services, she spearheads initiatives to address the mental wellness crisis in law enforcement. Dr. Dr helped author and advocate for groundbreaking mental health legislation, including two bipartisan bills that became public law (2021/2022and contributed to a Presidential Executive Order.

Dr. Jean is a highly respected speaker and writer and is the co-author of the award-winning Get Up & Fight: The Memoir of Rusty Kanokogi, honoring her mother’s fight for gender equality in sports, and She Wears the Badge: A Women’s Guide to Empowerment, which addresses the challenges women in law enforcement face and offers practical tools to overcome them.

A 6th-degree black belt in judo and former U.S. National Team member and has medaled internationally and remains dedicated to empowering others. Her legacy is one of resilience, service, and advocacy—from Ground Zero to Capitol Hill.

Claudia Cavazza is a trauma-informed Yoga Professional, Yoga Nidra Facilitator, Certified Trauma Professional, Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional, and Health Coach with over 15 years of experience supporting professionals in high-stress roles. She specializes in training and coaching first responders, veterans, military personnel, and leaders in demanding environments to optimize well-being, enhance performance, and prevent burnout.

Claudia’s work integrates somatic healing, polyvagal-informed practices, and mindfulness-based interventions to support nervous system regulation, mitigate PTSD symptoms, and build long-term resilience. Her approach is trauma-sensitive, evidence-informed, and deeply rooted in practical application.

She is the founder of WRKwell, a company providing accessible and integrative stress management solutions to individuals and organizations through embodied practices, health coaching, and leadership development. Claudia also serves as Director of Interdisciplinary Education at the Give Back Yoga Foundation, where she develops national programs to bring mindfulness to underserved populations.

Her clients include a wide range of public safety agencies and institutions, including the Arlington County Fire and Police Departments, Alexandria Sheriff's Office and Fire Department, Delaware State Police, Virginia Beach and Norfolk Police Departments, the US Navy, Wounded Warrior Project, Georgetown University, Howard County Fire and Rescue, the USDA, MWAA, O2X, Vetoga, and more.

Claudia brings a compassionate, mission-driven lens to her work with women in law enforcement, offering practical tools for recovery, regulation, and sustained leadership in high-pressure environments.

Natalie Jensen, LCSW, LICSW, CFRC is a clinical trauma professional with over 15 years of personal and professional experience supporting public safety personnel and their families. She specializes in the mind-body connection, integrating trauma-informed approaches and somatic practices into her clinical work. Natalie has served on clinical teams for Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S) National Police Week, National Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial Weekend and is in the certification process with Yoga for First Responders (YogaShield). In private practice for 6 years, she uses a strengths-based, person-centered approach to address trauma, grief/loss, stress management, interpersonal/organizational dynamics, life transitions and improving overall well-being. Natalie’s family includes first responders, active-duty military, and veterans.  She is passionate about holistic care that includes the entire support system of those who serve. Natalie holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan (Go BLUE!), Bachelor of Fine Arts from Otterbein University, Certification in Death and Grief Studies from the Center for Loss & Life Transition and is trained in SFA and CISM.  She has facilitated presentations for local organizations, including NAMI, public safety peer support and behavioral health.

Tammy E. Pippen is a senior executive in public safety administration, employee engagement, and wellness innovation. With nearly two decades of experience in non-sworn law enforcement leadership, she currently serves as the Assistant Director for the Office of the Chief for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), where she is driving transformative efforts in recruitment, retention, and workforce culture. Tammy began her law enforcement career in 2007 with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and six years later landed with the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD), where she made a lasting impact by establishing the agency’s Planning and Research Unit and developing its first wellness room for officers. Her commitment to strategic innovation and officer well-being quickly earned national recognition. She was selected as the only civilian employee to present before the U.S. Attorney General during a six-city tour showcasing model policing practices. Her voice in law enforcement thought leadership was also recognized through her published article in IACP Magazine, titled “Investing in Your Officers to Manage Risk,” which emphasized the importance of wellness and development in reducing departmental risk. At FPD, she led the Glass Door Initiative, securing full federal funding for body-worn cameras and producing a community documentary that strengthened transparency and trust between police and the public. Since joining CMPD, Tammy has continued to lead with vision and impact. She created the department’s first Employee Engagement Unit, an initiative designed to retain talent through values-driven leadership, mental health support, and workplace belonging. She also expanded the Secondary Language Incentive Program, launched the Relaxing into Retirement initiative to support officers transitioning out of the profession, and implemented policies that improved job satisfaction and overall officer wellness. Under her leadership, CMPD has seen measurable improvements in professional development for all employees, a significant reduction in department-wide grievances, and meaningful progress toward equity through her advocacy for changes in pay, fair promotional opportunities, and work culture improvement. Tammy also developed the Critical Incident Care Team, a support network that delivers trauma informed care to officers affected by high-stress incidents and oversaw a department-wide expansion of professional development, increasing access to training by over 80 percent for both sworn and civilian staff. Her work extends far beyond CMPD. As Executive Director of the North Carolina Police Executives Association (NCPEA), she led the training of over 600 law enforcement executives across the state. These sessions addressed de-escalation techniques, crisis communication, emerging technology, and strategic leadership in community policing. She also established two statewide honors, the Law Enforcement Agency of the Year and the North Carolina Police Executive of the Year, to recognize innovation and excellence within the profession. Tammy recently completing the Yale School of Management’s Women Executive’s Leadership Program. Her influence is felt not only in law enforcement but also in the communities she serves. She has led initiatives to fund scholarships for young women pursuing higher education, organized department-wide volunteer efforts at food banks, provided free resume-building workshops for the underserved, and championed programs supporting high-risk youth. As a founding board member of both the Fayetteville Police Athletic League and the Heroes-to-Heroes Fund (Charlotte area), she has helped build lasting bridges between law enforcement and the community, while also supporting officers in times of personal crisis. Tammy holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Fayetteville State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia Southern University. She also earned a Human Resources Management Certificate from Duke University and is a certified AIRS Recruiter, among other specialized training and professional development programs. Tammy has also served on numerous boards in both professional and civic capacities throughout Cumberland County and the state of North Carolina. Her work is guided by a deep sense of purpose, compassion, and forward-thinking leadership. She is not only shaping the future of policing but also setting a new standard for how law enforcement leaders can empower people and communities alike.

Latoya D. Dorsey is an award-winning human resources leader with over 14 years of progressive experience in local government and law enforcement. As the Human Resources Manager for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), she serves as a strategic partner to executive leadership, providing critical support to a workforce of more than 2,000 sworn and civilian employees.

Renowned for her ability to balance results and relationships, Latoya is a trusted advisor and seasoned investigator, adept at managing high-stakes cases involving Title VII discrimination, ADA accommodations, EEOC litigation, and OSHA and Department of Labor claims. Her work has played a pivotal role in mitigating risk and fostering a culture grounded in compliance, integrity, and trust.

Latoya is a certified Workplace Big Five Consultant, a certified AIRS Professional Recruiter, and holds a Six Sigma certification. She has also completed a specialized certification program in Internal Investigations, strengthening her expertise in navigating complex employee relations issues with precision and fairness.

A passionate and engaging communicator, Latoya is frequently invited to share her expertise on both local and national stages. She has presented on critical topics such as emotional intelligence, leadership development, workplace investigations, and employee relations, earning a reputation as a thought leader in public sector HR.

Latoya holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Fayetteville State University and a master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Human Services, with concentrations in Human Resources Management and Social and Community Services. She is an active member of several professional organizations including NOBLE, SHRM, PSHRA, and Charlotte Area SHRM, where she continues to influence HR practices and policy development.

Committed to mentorship and community impact, Latoya is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she proudly supports youth leadership initiatives and collegiate engagement. Her southern charm, results-driven approach, and unwavering dedication to empowering others have made her a respected and influential figure in the HR profession.

Dr. Vanja Radoncic, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who joined the NYPD in 2019 as part of the Psychological Assessment Section at The Candidate Assessment Division where she was a member of a team of psychologists responsible for psychological assessment of candidates seeking to become police officers. Motivated to learn more about the interaction between a police officer’s psychological and physical wellbeing, family system, work environment and culture, Dr. Radoncic transferred to the Behavioral Care and Support Section (BCSS) at the NYPD Medical Division in 2022. As part of BCSS team, Dr. Radoncic focuses on ensuring that all uniformed and civilian members remain psychologically healthy and are fit-for-duty. Dr. Radoncic also participates in providing crisis intervention and trauma debriefings and is part of a research group focusing on studying the factors impacting maternal health and wellness among female police officers. 

Dr. Radoncic completed her internship at prestigious NYU Langone-Bellevue Hospital Clinical Psychology Internship with a specialization in trauma informed treatments. Prior to joining NYPD, she worked at The Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center/New York State Psychiatric Institute where she was involved in research looking at maternal mental health, and different aspects of traumatic stress and substance use associations. As an Adjunct Lecturer at The City College of New York, Dr. Radoncic taught classes on assessment, evaluation and treatment of substance use disorders. Her clinical interests focus on trauma-informed practices, post-traumatic growth and working with individuals across a broad range of cultures, diagnoses as well as treatment modalities. Dr. Radoncic is an instructor of Qigong, an ancient self-healing practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine promoting harmony of body, mind and spirit.

Leslie is a licensed clinical social worker with a wealth of experience in high-stress work environments. She is currently serving as the Public Safety Wellness Coordinator for Arlington County. With 22 years of experience as a clinician, administrator, leader, and organizational consultant focused on addressing burnout and retention, Leslie has developed a deep commitment to enhancing the well-being of public service employees. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from Boston College and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Colorado. Having grown up in a military family, Leslie considers Colorado her home but is thrilled to be in Arlington County. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, hosting spontaneous 80’s dance parties in her kitchen, and enjoying quality time with family, friends, and her beloved dog, Wilma.

Donna Young is a licensed clinical social worker and a founding member of the Arlington County Office of Public Safety Wellness. With 16 years of experience in the field, she has held roles as a men's trauma therapist, child protective services supervisor, and in the corrections sector. Donna is deeply committed to supporting first responders, addressing trauma and PTSD, and cultivating a culture of wellness in high-stress environments. She holds dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Criminology from the University of Pennsylvania, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of San Francisco. Originally from California, Donna has spent the past 15 years on the East Coast, most recently relocating from the South Jersey/Philadelphia area in 2023. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending quality time with friends and family, exploring new restaurants, and binge-watching reality television.

Dr. Tracie L. Keesee is a retired 25-year veteran of the Denver Police Department and former Deputy Commissioner of the New York Police Department. Dr. Keesee works to improve equity within law enforcement agencies and the vulnerable communities they serve. To do this, she works closely with communities to ensure their voices are centered in the co-production and redesigning of public safety systems.  She also uses data-driven and evidence-based interventions to help law enforcement agencies receive the resources needed to create more equitable outcomes and reduce harm.

Dr. Keesee served as Project Director of the Department of Justice-funded National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice Initiative and is the Co-Founder of the Center for Policing Equity (CPE). This research center provides decision-makers with data, stories, and relationships to facilitate bold, innovative, and lasting change. Dr. Keesee took a sabbatical from CPE in 2016 to serve the New York Police Department in several roles; first, as the Deputy Commissioner of Training for Commissioner William J. Bratton, directing the implementation of transformative initiatives, including restructuring the recruitment curriculum.

Subsequently, she served as the first-ever Deputy Commissioner of Equity and Inclusion for Commissioner O'Neill, where she was responsible for the overall organizational development and implementation of NYPD's Equity and Inclusion strategic framework. During this time, she also advised the Police Commissioner on implementing accountability systems that monitor training, recruitment, employee opportunities, and complaints to help increase the organization's ability to attract and retain an inclusive and diverse workforce.  Dr. Keesee returned to CPE in 2018 as the president until accepting a full-time associate professor position with the University of Virginia School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

In 2021, Dr. Keesee was appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council President to serve as a member of an expert mechanism tasked with advancing racial justice and equity for Africans and people of African descent in the context of law enforcement around the world.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Metropolitan State College-Denver, academic certifications in Public Policy and Public Administration and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado at Denver, a Ph.D. in Intercultural Communications from the University of Denver, and a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University. Dr. Keesee is also a graduate of the 203rd Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. She has published numerous articles across various collected anthologies and peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Daniel is the Director of Struggle Well for Virginia and an alumnus of the Warrior PATTH program.

Raised in Southwest Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Daniel spent his childhood living on a farm working with his hands along side his father in the garage.  Daniel enjoyed the outdoors and spent a great deal of time hunting, fishing, racing and in the Boy Scouts.  After high school, Daniel joined the Army as an infantryman and was assigned to the 2/187 INF Regiment with the 101st Airborne in Fort Campbell, Kentucky serving from 1999 to 2003. After a tour in Afghanistan and in Iraq Daniel was honorably discharged and returned home.

In 2011 Daniel completed his Associate Degree in Applied Science majoring in Motorsports Technologies from Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville, VA.   He then spent four years teaching Motorsports Technologies at the same community college.  In 2017 Daniel became an active member of the Cool Branch Volunteer Fire Department achieving multiple firefighting certifications and his Emergency Medical Technician certification.  Daniel is currently the Chief and has held the positions of Lieutenant, Captain, and various executive roles in past.

With all Daniel’s military and first responder experiences, he believes great value can be derived through these efforts and wants to be at the forefront of helping first responders like himself.  He enjoys helping other first responders to overcome the struggles they encounter every day in their careers.  This opportunity to give back and help fellow first responders is an honor for Daniel.

Dorian Lambert is currently a Sergeant in the Special Victim’s Unit with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, where she has been employed for 6 years.  With 19 years of experience in law enforcement, she is committed to personal and professional growth. Prior to joining Loudoun County, Dorian worked as a Marshal in the Virgin Islands for 13 years. She has also served as a Sergeant in the Field Operations Division and as a Special Victims Unit Detective.

Dorian is an active member of several specialized teams, including the Crisis Negotiation Team, Peer Support Team, and Crisis Intervention Team. She is also a certified Defense Tactics Instructor and has served as a former Rape Aggression Defense Instructor. Additionally, she is involved in the Project Lifesaver Program and is the coordinator of LCSO Women’s Mentorship Program RISE.

Her professional affiliations include membership in the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Deputy Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Executives, and a recent membership in the Fraternal Order of Police.

Dorian is passionate about being well-rounded, educated, and using her knowledge, talents, and blessings to uplift others.

Detective Shannon Almborg joined the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in 2013.  In 2019 she became a detective in the Financial and Cybercrime Unit.  Since 2022, Detective Almborg has primarily focused on cryptocurrency related scams and cybercrime cases, becoming one of the leading experts in blockchain investigations within state and local law enforcement in Virginia.  Detective Almborg has made multiple cryptocurrency seizures, recently recovering over 1.4 million dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency, the largest recovery by a state/local agency in the state of Virginia.  Detective Almborg is also a Task Force Officer on the FBI’s Cyber Task Force, where she leverages relationships with federal partners to pursue investigations across international borders.  In 2024, Detective Almborg was named Deputy Sheriff of the Year by the Virginia Sheriff’s Association for her work in cryptocurrency and cyber investigations.

Chandra Evans is a seasoned civilian Manager with over 30 years of dedicated service to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). She began her career in 1993 as a Records Clerk, steadily advancing through the ranks to Records Supervisor in 1998, and later to Property and Evidence Supervisor in 2001. Today, Chandra oversees multiple critical support functions, including the Property and Evidence Unit, Quartermaster, FOIA, and the Records Section.

A respected leader within the agency, Chandra is a key member of the LCSO Accreditation Team and made history as the first civilian employee from LCSO to graduate from the prestigious Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police Professional Executive Leadership School (PELS45).

Committed to empowering others, Chandra is a founding member of the LCSO RISE Women’s Mentorship Program, where she continues to serve as both a committee member and mentor, fostering growth and leadership among women in law enforcement.

Outside of her professional life, Chandra is a devoted wife, mother of three adult children, and proud grandmother. She also shares her home with a beloved Labrador. She enjoys traveling, strength training, and spending time outdoors. Known for her loyalty, passion, and empathy, Chandra values honest, direct communication and leads with a heart for service and integrity.

From her very first days as a high school police explorer, Captain Deanna Weand knew she was called to a life of service. That passion led her to the Fairfax County Police Department, where she began her career as a 911 dispatcher. For years, she answered calls for help, but sitting on the other end of the phone, she realized she wanted more — to be present, to stand face-to-face with those in need, and to make an immediate difference. That drive ultimately led her to the police academy and the badge, launching a career with FCPD that now spans two decades.

Today, Captain Weand leads the department’s Community Engagement Division, overseeing programs that build trust and empower the community. She directs the agency’s pledge to the national 30x30 Initiative to advance women in policing, guides youth through summer outreach programs, oversees the Community Police Academy, and champions women’s self-defense classes. She also manages the Crime Prevention Unit and the department’s dedicated volunteers, ensuring service extends beyond the badge. In addition, she proudly serves as the Commander of the Fairfax County Police Department Honor Guard, upholding the traditions of honor, respect, and remembrance.

A passionate advocate for women in policing, Captain Weand is deeply committed to recruiting more females into law enforcement and supporting them throughout their journey. As a mother of five, she balances the challenges of leadership with the lessons of compassion, resilience, and strength she brings to both her family and her career. Her journey reflects what is possible when purpose meets perseverance, and she continues to inspire others to dream bigger, lead boldly, and serve with heart.

Sergeant Carilyn Mello has dedicated over 21 years to law enforcement service; all with the City of Manassas Police Department. She spent the first 11 years in patrol between midnight and evening shifts and the last 2 years on the Special Problems Unit. In 2014 she was promoted to Sergeant and has spent the past 10 years as such. She is currently in charge of the animal services section under the Special Operations Division.

Throughout her career Sergeant Mello has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience. She is currently one of the lead firearms instructors for her agency as well as the lead instructor for the academy class Fundamentals of Shooting for Women in Law Enforcement. Sergeant Mello is currently an assistant team leader of the Honor Guard Unit as well. During her time as an officer she was an FTO for 8 years, a Search and Recovery diver for the Scuba team, a Crisis Negotiator, and a K9 officer. Along with the rank of Sergeant she also holds the tiltles of Chief Animal Control Officer and Director of Animal Services. Sergeant Mello has received many accolades throughout her carrier, but is most proud of being the recipient of the Bronze Medal of Valor in 2010 and the Investigative Merit Award in 2020.

Outside of her occupation she is the wife of a fellow law enforcement supervisor who works on the NOVA Vice/Narcotics Task Force and a devoted mother of 3 beautiful daughters. She loves soccer, running and reading historical fiction and currently spends the most of her free time serving as the PTO president at her kid’s school.

Master Police Officer (MPO) Tara Crider is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Genetics, Cell Biology and Development.  She is a graduate of The George Washington University with a Masters Degree in Forensic Science.  MPO Crider joined the Arlington County Police Department in 2007 and has been assigned to the Crime Scene Unit for the past 13 years.  MPO Crider is a graduate of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science Academy and has received specialized training in many areas to include bloodstain pattern analysis, shooting incident reconstruction and crime scene reconstruction. 

The Manassas City Police Chief is appointed by the city manager, working with the mayor and City Council. Colonel Douglas W. Keen is the Chief of Police for the City of Manassas, a nationally accredited law enforcement agency. He was appointed to this position on May 1, 2010, by the city manager and sworn in by the mayor. Chief Keen began his career with the City of Manassas in 1989 and has served in many capacities including progressive and comprehensive work in line, supervisory, and command positions including officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and division commander. As Chief of Police, Colonel Keen manages a highly progressive and professional agency and staff of approximately 125 members.

Sergeant Alexander is a 12 year veteran of the Manassas City Police Department and is currently serving in the Special Problems Unit within the Patrol Services Division. 

Throughout her MCPD career, Sgt. Alexander has accumulated an extensive range of experience in the Patrol Division and was selected to be assigned as a narcotics detective in the Investigative Services Division. Her expertise in narcotics investigations is bolstered by significant trainings and specialized programs she has successfully completed.

Sgt. Alexander’s accolades include Officer of the Year, Field Training Officer, Chief’s Peer Review Committee Member, LawFit Instructor, Evidence Tech, CIT Trained, Bike Team Member, Valor Award recipient, and numerous Merit Awards and Employee of the Month recognitions. 

Rachael Songalewski is a visionary leader transforming law enforcement through data-driven decision-making, evidence-based strategies, and operational excellence. As Senior Manager of Safety & Security Analytics for Amtrak Police Department's Office of Intelligence & Analysis, she leads a large cross-functional team of sworn detectives, analysts, and data scientists responsible for data analytics, data science, criminal intelligence, counterterrorism, and investigations for America's largest mass transit passenger railroad. Managing a geographically dispersed team across the corporation's nationwide safety and security operations, Rachael has mastered the unique challenges of leading virtual teams in complex law enforcement environments.

With over 20 years of progressive law enforcement experience, Rachael has established herself as a pioneer in modernizing police analytics. She has successfully implemented standardized processes and complex analytical approaches, automated reporting systems, and deployed innovative dashboards that have revolutionized how law enforcement agencies access and utilize critical data. With extensive experience in law enforcement intelligence and analytics, Rachael has presented to audiences ranging from patrol officers to executive leadership across multiple agencies on transforming organizations into data-driven cultures that leverage analytics to improve overall public safety outcomes. Her leadership resulted in a promotion at Amtrak from Manager to Senior Manager in 2023, recognizing her exceptional performance in building high-performing teams and driving measurable operational improvements.

Prior to her current role, Rachael served as Crime Analyst Supervisor at the Fayetteville, NC Police Department, where she managed 24/7 Real Time Crime Center operations through COVID and times of civil unrest, maintaining focus on strategic deployment efforts during high-stress situations. Additionally, she spearheaded multiple large-scale public safety technology projects to improve safety response, criminal investigations, and emergency management operations. As a Crime Analyst, her innovative work in human trafficking investigations earned her the Excellence in Policing Award, highlighting her ability to leverage advanced analytical techniques and rigorous research for successful prosecutions.

Rachael holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Western Governors University and a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This fall, she will pursue a Master's degree in Applied Criminology and Police Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. Her certifications include Certified Social Media Intelligence Expert (CSMIE) and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Specialist. She is an active member of the International Association of Crime Analysts, International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts, American Society of Evidence-Based Policing, and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.

A wife and mother of three, Rachael is a passionate champion for the advancement of women in law enforcement. She understands the unique challenges women face when driving change in traditional policing environments and challenging established practices. In her presentation "Creating Data-Driven Cultures: Executive Strategies for Modernizing Law Enforcement Analytics," she will share proven frameworks and real-world strategies for transforming organizational culture, equipping attendees with actionable insights to lead meaningful change and modernize analytics capabilities within their own agencies.

My name is Elia Alfonso and I am a Police Lieutenant with the City of Manassas Police Department. I am originally from the state of New Jersey but relocated to Virginia in 1999 when I was hired as a police officer by the City. I am a first-generation Cuban born in the U.S.  My professional passion has always been patrol and specializing in all matters of Use of Force. I have experience in both Administration and Patrol Divisions. I have been an instructor since 2008 and the Defensive Tactics Program Manager since 2014. I am a Taser Instructor, Force Science Analyst as well as the Crisis Negotiations Team leader. When I am not working I am spending time with my family, training Jiu-Jitsu, teaching or at the gym.

Detective Patrice Malone, originally from Newport News, Virginia, serves with the Arlington County Police Department in the Special Victims Unit, where she specializes in missing juveniles and human trafficking cases. She also holds a federal appointment as a Task Force Officer with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Human Trafficking Division.

Malone earned her B.A. in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Studies and American Sign Language from Radford University in 2018, followed by an M.S. in Forensic Science from Saint Leo University in 2021. She has continued her professional development with specialized certifications, including FBI Basic Crisis Negotiation (2021), DHS Human Trafficking (2024), and ChildFirst Forensic Interviewing (2025).

Her law enforcement career began in community engagement and crime scene investigation, experiences that shaped her dedication to victim advocacy and investigative excellence. Beyond her professional duties, she serves as the Arlington County Police Department liaison to the Center for Youth and Family Advocacy and has been an active member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) since 2020.

Known among peers for her humor and her poetry, Malone brings humanity and resilience to the demanding work of public safety. She is guided by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Outside of work, she enjoys life with her energetic six-year-old dog, Bear.

Dr. Tracie L. Keesee is a retired 25-year veteran of the Denver Police Department and former Deputy Commissioner of the New York Police Department. Dr. Keesee works to improve equity within law enforcement agencies and the vulnerable communities they serve. To do this, she works closely with communities to ensure their voices are centered in the co-production and redesigning of public safety systems.  She also uses data-driven and evidence-based interventions to help law enforcement agencies receive the resources needed to create more equitable outcomes and reduce harm.

Dr. Keesee served as Project Director of the Department of Justice-funded National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice Initiative and is the Co-Founder of the Center for Policing Equity (CPE). This research center provides decision-makers with data, stories, and relationships to facilitate bold, innovative, and lasting change. Dr. Keesee took a sabbatical from CPE in 2016 to serve the New York Police Department in several roles; first, as the Deputy Commissioner of Training for Commissioner William J. Bratton, directing the implementation of transformative initiatives, including restructuring the recruitment curriculum.

Subsequently, she served as the first-ever Deputy Commissioner of Equity and Inclusion for Commissioner O'Neill, where she was responsible for the overall organizational development and implementation of NYPD's Equity and Inclusion strategic framework. During this time, she also advised the Police Commissioner on implementing accountability systems that monitor training, recruitment, employee opportunities, and complaints to help increase the organization's ability to attract and retain an inclusive and diverse workforce.  Dr. Keesee returned to CPE in 2018 as the president until accepting a full-time associate professor position with the University of Virginia School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

In 2021, Dr. Keesee was appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council President to serve as a member of an expert mechanism tasked with advancing racial justice and equity for Africans and people of African descent in the context of law enforcement around the world.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Metropolitan State College-Denver, academic certifications in Public Policy and Public Administration and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado at Denver, a Ph.D. in Intercultural Communications from the University of Denver, and a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University. Dr. Keesee is also a graduate of the 203rd Session of the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. She has published numerous articles across various collected anthologies and peer-reviewed scientific journals.