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
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