Mother & Daughter: Legacy of service

March 30, 2026

Monique Williams, left, with her daughter, Sgt. J. Thomas.

A mother’s work ethic and positive outlook inspired her daughter to continue the legacy and follow in her CDCR career footsteps.

Monique Williams, an acting captain at Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, has been with the department since 2001. As she prepares to retire, her daughter, Sgt. J. Thomas, is aspiring to also make a difference at CDCR.

Watch the video (story continues below):

“I remember being a young girl helping my mom get ready for work,” said Thomas, a sergeant at California Health Care Facility in Stockton. “I was probably 10 or 11. I’d iron her uniform while she got everything else together. She taught me how to pin her chevrons on her collar and exactly where to place her badge and name plate.”

Williams’ positive attitude made an impact on the impressionable young girl.

“What always stood out to me was how she started every day prepared with prayer and music and just this aura of positivity,” she said. “These are the things that I remember.”

Joining CDCR

After earning a degree as a substance abuse counselor, Williams soon found herself being asked to work for the state prison system.

“I loved that job but the whole time I was being recruited by individuals in my community,” she said. “(They) worked for the department (and asked me) to come and join the custody ranks.”

From Ironwood to Chowchilla

The rest is history. She applied, went through training, and reported to California State Prison, Solano, then transferred to Ironwood State Prison. Williams worked at Ironwood for five years before promoting to sergeant at Central California Women’s Facility.

“(That’s) where I’ve been for 17 years,” she said. “I have worked so many designations at that institution. I’ve been a correctional sergeant, lieutenant, acting captain, acting Community Resources Manager, (and) acting correctional counselor. I’ve held so many positions. My favorite is the one I’m currently in as the administrative assistant and public information officer for the warden. “

Thomas said her mother has always been an excellent role model, at home and on the job.

“She has always led with love, with grace, (and) kindness,” Thomas said. “But stern and I like that style of leadership. I really appreciate her instilling in us (the drive) to never give up, continue trying.”

Thomas applies those same life lessons to her job as well.

“That rolls over into the leadership style at work. I’ve kind of adopted that. I try to connect with my staff in the same way, creating a space for them to be who they are, letting people shine where their strengths are. That’s something that I learned and practice to this day.

Mother, daughter have legacy of public safety

Three generations, two of them are CDCR staff.

Williams is like most other moms, talking up her daughter’s achievements.

“I look at my daughter as sergeant and feel great pride. I feel like the legacy is in that she met criteria to come to the department,” Williams said. “She lived life the right way and she made great decisions, even in her family. I am very proud that our legacy was passed on to her and so I feel like that legacy will go on beyond her and beyond her children.

Thomas had some advice for people looking to join the department.

“For mothers and daughters, sons (and) fathers, whoever wants to do this, never compromise. Stay true to you. Stay true to who you are,” she said. “Women, mothers and daughters, (should) know they’re welcome here. There’s a place of belonging for them (and) they are able to come to this job and have an amazing career.”

Thomas said she’s excited for her mother to begin the next chapter of her life and enjoy retirement.

Monique Williams, mother, and her daughter discuss working in CDCR.

“I am so proud of the full circle moment of us sitting here together,” she said. “You executed your career with such integrity (and) grace. You took something a lot of people have a very rough time doing and you made it into something wonderful and beautiful. (Now there’s) this beautiful life you get to retire into. Just sitting here next to you right now, I’m I feel very proud and honored.”

After 25 years with the department, Williams had one final task she wanted to complete.

“I’d really love to give you something that’s near and dear to my heart. For my years of service,
I’ll pin you with my badge so you can carry on the legacy of working hard and being genuine in all that you do.”

Video by Chris Medina, Director (specialist), Television Communications Center
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor

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