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CCWF leaders host Women in Law Enforcement Symposium

August 17, 2026

Leaders from Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla hosted the second Women in Law Enforcement Symposium.

Wendy Enos, chief deputy administrator for the Division of Adult Parole Operations, said the conference is a way to honor and recognize women working in law enforcement.

Wendy Enos, a chief deputy administrator with the CDCR Division of Adult Parole Operations, speaks during a panel of women working in law enforcement. — *Wendy Enos speaks during a panel discussion at the CCWF Women in Law Enforcement Symposium.*

“We have so many women … who are powerful leaders. We want to make sure that we’re recognizing them. (Also, we’re) bringing in speakers who are inspiring them and providing messages of women being leaders within the organization,” said Enos.

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Retired Chief Deputy Warden Velda Dobson-Davis was also on hand for the conference.

“Women working in law enforcement is a unique position,” she said. “Most people don’t work in corrections, and they don’t become peace officers. What this does is say, number one, this is a reputable profession, credible profession, and you can do it, too. I started in 1970 (when) there were no women (or) very few. There certainly were far less women of color.”

Retired Chief Deputy Warden Velda Dobson-Davis said she's seen many changes since she started working in corrections in 1970. — *Retired Chief Deputy Warden Velda Dobson-Davis said she’s seen many changes since she started working in corrections in 1970.*

She said there has been so much growth for women in working in law enforcement in the 56 years since she started.

“When I walk in that room, I see where we’ve come from,” Dobson Davis said. “I see the potential of where we could go (and) the opportunity we’ve gained. I see all the changes.”

Linda Clay, a cadet with the Fresno Police Department, said it was an educational and inspiring event.

“What really stood out to me today was seeing all the black women in law enforcement,” she said. “Seeing how they paved their way into their career, and how they got into working their way up through the career. It makes me want to (as well). It motivates (me) to get to that point eventually.”

Fellow cadet Marissa Cerda said it felt empowering to see a conference full of women who were helping each other and learning from one another.

“It’s definitely a positive for me, seeing so many women come together, support each other. One of the things I learned in the conference was you don’t go through this job alone,” Cerda said. “You always are going to have help. That was very inspiring and knowing that there’s other people that are going to help you along the way throughout your career.”

Enos said she hopes the conference helps shape future leaders.

“I hope everyone leaves with the inspiration to grow as a leader, as a female leader, within a correctional organization. I think it’s so important to be able to learn from others, to share experiences, to help women leaders grow in an organization,” she said.

Video and photos by Chris Medina, Director (specialist), TV Communications Center
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications