Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) Warden Anissa De La Cruz recently hosted the first Women in Law Enforcement Symposium.
The July 18 symposium drew over 400 people from across California with representatives from 26 agencies gathering to network, recruit, and support women in law enforcement.
Speakers and moderators included:
- CDCR HQ Coach Heidi Wippel and retired Associate Warden Dan Ross
- Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua
- Warden Anissa De La Cruz
- Tanya Meisenholder, 30×30 Initiative co-founder
- Alana Forrest, co-founder of Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Foundation
- Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue
- CDCR Assistant Deputy Director Sarina Calderon
- Chowchilla Police Chief Jeffrey Palmer
- Clovis Police Chief Curt Fleming
- Oakland Police retired Deputy Chief Jeffrey Loman
- Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto
- Madera County District Attorney Sally Moreno
- Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp
- retired CHP Assistant Chief Jonni Redick
- Lynette Hart, HR Manager, Oakland Police Department
- Fresno State Police Chief Anthony Martinez
A special portion of the ceremony was dedicated to the loss of CDCR Parole Agent Joshua Byrd who was shot and killed in the line of duty July 17. A moment of silence was observed every attendee was gifted a white carnation to honor his memory and show support for the family who lost a husband, son, and father.
Warden De La Cruz presented the speakers with a Proclamation Certificate from the California State Senate acknowledging their years of excellent service in our communities and participation in this event.
The second Women in Law Enforcement Symposium is scheduled for July 31, 2026.
CCWF first Women in Law Enforcement Symposium highlights
Fresno Chief of Police Mindy Casto, in a special presentation, offered employment to one of the Fresno Academy cadets who was volunteering at the event. The cadet accepted.
CDCR Office of Employee Wellness Mai Her Holloway and Ashton Peterson led wellness exercises during every break while chaplains Faith and Ron of the California Chaplain Corps supported spiritual health and wellbeing.
Chris Medina, director (specialist) of CDCR’s TV Communications Center, recorded the event.
Organizers offered special thanks to CDCR Peace Officer Recruitment Unit’s Lauren Hieb for the countless hours putting together the event. Additional thanks went to Danny Royster and Crystal Garcia, president of the CCWF employee association committee.
Many thanks to a host of behind-the-scenes executive planning committee members from all over CDCR, as well as Fresno Police Lt. Leslie Williams, who served as co-emcee, and Fresno Police Academy cadets.
Special thanks to the 25 recruitment/informational booths and special event donors.
Submitted by Lt. M. Williams
See more stories about CDCR facilities, training and jobs.
See more stories highlighting CDCR/CCHCS staff.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related content
SQRC recruiters visit Lunar New Year festivities
Millbrae came alive during the annual Lunar New Year Parade and celebration with San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) recruiters on…
Watch: Harvest of the Month: Local, fresh, produce
In recognition of National Nutrition Month, CDCR is highlighting its Harvest of the Month (HOTM) program. HOTM is a joint…
WSP‑RC recruiters attend middle school career fairs
Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) attended college and career fairs at two middle schools in Wasco. The late February and…
Watch: Two staff graduate Innovation Fellows program
Two CDCR employees have graduated the first cohort of the Governor’s Innovation Fellows program. Samantha Kissane and Chris Siino, both…
CSP‑Solano Honor Guard trains with CPOF
The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF) invited the Honor Guard team from California State Prison (CSP) Solano to their annual…
VSP recruiters attend Fresno’s Support Blue Run
On behalf of the Peace Officer Recruitment Unit, Valley State Prison (VSP) recruiters proudly participated in the annual Support Blue…