#81 (Gina Hawkins)
Gina Hawkins, experienced police leader, former chief, and President of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, discusses the importance of support networks and mentorship for women in policing, especially at the executive level. She emphasizes the ‘sorority-like’ connections among women leaders that provide crucial emotional and professional support. She talks about the personal sacrifices that come with taking on leadership, the need for better mental health and wellness support for police officers, as well as the historical stigma and lack of resources around this issue. Also discussed are the barriers and biases that women, particularly women of color, face in advancing to leadership positions in policing.