Generations of Dedication: CDCR’s Dynamic Duo

January 9, 2024

Chanelle Jacobo, left, and her mother, Teresa Desiderio, are sergeants at Calipatria State Prison.

(Editor’s note: As the country observes National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Inside CDCR caught up with mother and daughter sergeants at Calipatria State Prison.)

Sergeants Teresa Desiderio and Chanelle Jacobo have a daily ritual after their shifts at Calipatria State Prison. Over the phone, they share triumphs and tribulations experienced in their male-dominated workplace, finding strength in each other.

These aren’t just the closest of friends. They are mother and daughter.

“We share a unique bond grounded in the same principles,” said Desiderio, the duo’s matriarch. “Our relationship has evolved, acquiring new roles and dynamics that were absent before.”

Mother, daughter Calipatria sergeants advocate 30×30 Initiative

Two correctional sergeants at a computer. One is standing behind the other, who is seated at a desk. — Chanelle Jacobo, seated, and her mother Teresa Desiderio support the 30×30 Initiative as well as each other.

For the duo, CDCR has been a pivotal part of their lives, representing a stable livelihood as well as a place to bond.

Both are advocates of CDCR’s 30×30 Initiative, which aims to increase the representation of women in corrections to 30 percent by the year 2030.

“I personally think the initiative is great for women; emphasizing the importance of empowering and encouraging more women to pursue careers in law enforcement,” Jacobo said.

Desiderio, a naturalized citizen from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, is one of eight siblings to immigrant parents, who transcended humble beginnings from working the fields to a distinguished role with CDCR.

“I found myself as a single mother of a 3-year-old living on welfare and attending college,” Desiderio said. “My professor, a retired correctional officer, suggested that joining the Department could provide a self-sufficient path for raising my daughter and ensuring her a better life. My daughter was my strength to join the academy.”

After completing the academy, she reported to Centinela State Prison on Feb. 24, 1996. On March 24, 2015, she promoted to sergeant at Calipatria State Prison.

Inspired by her mother’s unwavering determination, Jacobo aspired to emulate her mother’s path. Seeking to make a meaningful contribution to the justice system, she joined the Basic Correctional Officer Academy. After graduating on Sept. 30, 2017, she started at Ironwood State Prison.

“After a year at Ironwood, I transferred to Calipatria to be closer to home,” says Jacobo, exemplifying the essence of family support. “Wearing the CDCR uniform is a tribute to my mother. I’ve always admired her as a strong, independent woman, and I wanted follow in her footsteps.”

Mother takes pride in daughter’s CDCR career success

Their narrative takes a significant turn when Jacobo joined her mother as a sergeant at Calipatria on Oct. 30, 2023. This milestone underscores their shared dedication, duly acknowledged by CDCR for their exceptional service.

Desiderio, now a 28-year professional, said one of her best experiences has been watching her daughter rise through the ranks.

“I never give up when faced with challenges; I persist and keep pushing forward,” shares Jacobo. “I am highly goal-oriented, setting achievable objectives and working diligently to attain them.”

As Chanelle moves on from her mother’s footsteps, she envisions a promising future as long as she remains true to her roots.

“I plan to advance in my career one step at a time. Becoming a sergeant marks the first step, fulfilling a goal on my list,” says Chanelle. “The next milestone is achieving the rank of lieutenant.”

By Todd Javernick, Information Officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications

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