Disciplined, Determined & Destined for Excellence
FEDtalk is at the Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) 22nd Annual Leadership Training in Phoenix, Arizona. Guests from WIFLE discuss this year’s annual training, leadership development, and career building. We also hear from two WIFLE Award Winners about their keys to success.
WIFLE National President Cathy Sanz discusses the vision for this year’s leadership training, themed “Disciplined, Determined, and Destined for Excellence.” Sessions ranged from career planning seminars to issue breakdowns.
Sanz described the Resume and Structured Interview Workshop as one of the favorites among attendees. Customs and Border Protection Agent Tinesha Cherry, who hosted the workshop, joined the program to discuss the top career tips she provided attendees.
“One of the most important things we spoke about all day long was mindset. It is really about making sure you understand the type of mindset you need to have to tell your story. It is all about telling your story and being able to highlight all the things you have been able to do and want to do… You really have to sell yourself,” Cherry explained.
Cherry highlighted how women face unique obstacles in sharing their stories and discussed ways to overcome those barriers in the interviewing process. Cherry went on to discuss things employees should consider throughout their career, so they are prepared for leadership.
Listeners are also introduced to WIFLE’s newest board member Lynda Williams and learn about Williams’ journey to become one of the highest-ranking women in the history of the Secret Service. Williams also hosted a panel at the Training called “Women in Leadership: A Candid Discussion About the View from the Top.”
“We wear many hats: we are moms, wives, sisters, daughters, and caretakers… But when we come to this job, we raise our hand to protect and serve, so when you are on duty, you are on duty as a special agent. [Still,] that does not negate that you have other obligations. So, iron sharpens iron. It takes a community and a great support group. You need to depend on that,” Williams says as she discusses the key takeaways from women on the panel.
Finally, WIFLE Award Winners U.S. Marshal Sonya Chavez and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar join to discuss their award-winning work.
Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Salazar received the Outstanding Federal Law Enforcement Employee Award. WIFLE recognized SAC Salazar for her work managing the resettlement of 13 thousand vulnerable Afghani refugees. SAC Salazar has a long career of supporting victims, including establishing the Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) to protect victims, prosecute perpetrators, and partner with organizations to increase overall awareness and prevention of human trafficking.
U.S. Marshal Chavez received the WIFLE President’s Award for her long career in law enforcement, including 22 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and as New Mexico’s first female U.S. Marshal.
To close out the show, U.S. Marshal Chavez offers key career advice, “It is so important for us to find mentors. One of the things I talk about with finding mentors is formalizing it. Don’t just say ‘she is my mentor’ go to the person and ask, ‘will you be my mentor and here is what I want, let’s talk once a week.’ Formalize it. The other side of that, is that as you move forward in your career, and you’re pulling and feeding from all these wonderful people, remember that the time comes for you to turn around and offer that to others. Always mentor others. Always bring other people up. That is the biggest gift we have: to learn from others and share with others.”
You can stream the show online anytime on Federal News Network or listen to FEDtalk on all major podcasting platforms. FEDtalk is a live talk show produced by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993.