CDCR captain speaks at Young Women’s Conference

March 28, 2024

Capt. Shelley Amador, second from right, joined other law enforcement officers to speak to high school students in San Diego County.

Shelley Amador, a CDCR correctional captain, joined other female law enforcement officials to speak at the Young Women’s Conference in San Diego County.

The conference is held by the nonprofit organization STAR/PAL as a way for high school students to have a positive interaction with law enforcement.

The March 24 conference attendees included students from a local preparatory school as well as others who previously had negative experiences with law enforcement.

Law enforcement attending the conference included:

Lori Rebholz, officer, San Diego Police Department
Ashely Milner, probation officer, San Diego County Probation
Jessica Gonzalez, officer, San Diego Unified School District Police
and Shelley Amador, captain, Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility

Introduced as regular people

Shelley Amador, CDCR captain, and others from law enforcement agencies stand beside an American flag. — The law enforcement officials, wearing regular clothes, were introduced to the students by their first names only. Later, they returned in full uniform.

The law enforcement representatives arrived at the conference wearing regular clothing, introduced by their first names only. The officers shared a little about their upbringing and then there was a short break. Afterward, the officers returned to the conference room, wearing their full uniforms.

After their initial shock, the attendees then asked questions. The officers were able to explain how their upbringing helped build the women they are today. Their experiences still play a role in law enforcement. Lunch was served and introspection activities were presented. The event concluded with a presentation by a former gang member who successfully rebuilt herself and is now dedicated to preventing others from making the same bad choices she did.

“To be considered that I had anything to contribute is an honor. It was an impactful event,” said Capt. Amador. “I am grateful to STAR/PAL for facilitating this kind of positive community interaction.”

Submitted by Lt. Adam Garvey
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility

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