Beyond the Badge, CDCR Weekender, Jobs, Training and Facilities

CDCR leadership attends Women Leaders Conference

October 17, 2025

CDCR recruiters highlighted female leadership at the recent Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Conference.

The department was well-represented this year at the conference held in San Diego from Sept. 2-5. Representatives from various divisions across the department attended the annual event, underscoring CDCR’s commitment to fostering strong leadership and professional development along with 30×30 initiative efforts.

CDCR leadership conference in San Diego.

Attendees from CDCR included representatives from:

Peace Officer Recruitment
Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center (CTC)
Peace Officer Selection and Employee Development (POSED)
Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO)
Commission on Correctional Peace Officer Standards and Training (CPOST).

Their presence highlighted the diverse leadership roles within the department.

CDCR leadership and recruiters at the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Conference in San Diego.

Attendees Included:

Tina Bayles, executive director, CPOST
Traci Buckley, special assistant to Deputy Director Gina Savala, POSED
Breann Cantu, academy administrator
Stephanie D’ Alessandro, acting correctional lieutenant, CTC
Carla Fish, parole agent II, DAPO
Maria Gradilla, correctional lieutenant, Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP)
Lauren Hieb, recruitment analyst, Peace Officer Recruitment
Johnny Huynh, AGPA, CPOST
Aspen Marshall, parole agent II, DAPO
Andrea Milam-Richey, staff services manager, CPOST
Alesandro Padilla, correctional sergeant, CPOST
Dr. Briana Rojas, chief psychologist/associate director, Office of Employee Wellness
Danny Royster, acting staff services manager, Peace Officer Recruitment
Yodany Sanchez, acting correctional lieutenant, CPOST
Gina Savala, deputy director, POSED
Monique Williams, correctional lieutenant/public information officer, Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF)
Terese Worrell, staff services manager, CPOST

Inspiring workshops, networking

The conference offered a packed schedule of workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities focused on supporting and advancing women in the field of law enforcement.

CDCR personnel engaged in sessions covering topics crucial to modern policing and correctional environments, such as executive presence, mentorship, and resilience.

The symposium included general sessions with topics from top-notch speakers like Gordon Graham (“The 10 F’s for Success”), Heather Glogolich (“Valor and Virtue”), Simon Sinek (world-renowned author and leadership expert), and Jonni Redick (“Purpose Isn’t Always Loud”).

Deputy Director Gina Savala emphasized the long-term vision behind CDCR’s presence.

“The conference is more than just networking; it’s an investment in the future of our department. By empowering our women leaders and giving them access to the best training and mentorship, we ensure CDCR remains adaptable, innovative, and promotes a culture of safety, respect, and accountability for all,” she stated.

The focus on new talent was echoed by Academy Administrator Breann Cantu.

“(The conference) reinforces the critical role women play in de-escalation and providing solutions through a lens of humanity and compassion,” she said. “It motivates us to continue recruiting and training diverse leaders who will shape the correctional landscape for the better.”

Building bonds, unifying department

CDCR recruiters at a conference in San Diego.

Beyond the official conference hours, the trip provided a rare opportunity for team building and fellowship among the attendees from various CDCR divisions. By attending the same breakout rooms and sharing insights, the group fostered a deeper understanding of each other’s roles and challenges.

Traci Buckley, special assistant to Deputy Director Gina Savala, highlighted the value of this shared experience.

“The insights gained this week, particularly on succession planning and overcoming systemic bias, are invaluable,” she said. “Our job now is to translate that knowledge into tangible policy and development initiatives that actively support the advancement of every person across CDCR.”

The shared dinners and downtime strengthened personal connections, forging a more cohesive unit united by a common goal of leading CDCR forward.

The importance of this collective effort extended to other state agencies, with Tina Bayles, Executive Director of CPOST, noting the strong collaborative spirit.

“Seeing the strong representation from CDCR at the conference demonstrates a commitment to setting the highest professional standards,” Bayles said. “(It is also) ensuring our agencies are developing a truly inclusive and equitable pipeline of leadership for all of California.”

Future focused

CDCR’s attendance reaffirmed its role as a key player in California’s law enforcement landscape.

By investing in the professional development of its staff through forums like the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Conference, CDCR is taking steps to ensure its leadership reflects the communities it serves and is equipped to meet the evolving demands of the correctional system.

Department leaders said they look forward to applying the knowledge gained to enhance leadership training, bolster recruitment efforts, and continue fostering a supportive environment for all employees.

Learn more about CDCR careers on the website.

Written and submitted by Danny Royster, staff services manager
and Lauren Hieb, recruitment analyst
Peace Officer Recruitment Unit

Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.