The conference, hosted in Dallas October 29-31, will further the movement for the recruitment, growth, and development of women in policing through preconference workshops, targeted sessions, panel discussions, and networking roundtable discussions.

Back for its fourth program, The Women in Law Enforcement Summit will bring together forward-thinking law enforcement professionals from across the country to ensure female officers are well-supported for growth. The fall program─a five-star conference experience with food and beverage included with registration─will feature inspirational presentations on how to create a culture that encourages females to support females and succeed in a male-dominated industry.

“Behind every successful woman is a squad of other successful women. So, this is about finding your squad; the people that really get it, understand it, and support you,” said Mandie Kelel, MS, marriage and family therapist, and contract therapist with the North Las Vegas Police Department, who will lead a preconference workshop on creating stronger connections personally and professionally on the first day of the conference.

A certified facilitator in Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead™ Program, Kelel will explore the importance of vulnerability in establishing connections, how to use the Dare to Lead courage skillset BRAVING trust to build healthier and more meaningful relationships, how to find the people who will help lift us up and support us in our professional goals, and how trusting ourselves is essential in knowing what we actually want in relationships and our professional goals.

The Women in Law Enforcement Summit

The following two conference days will continue to empower female officers through targeted sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities on a variety of pressing topics.

General session topics will address:

  • Create opportunities for female officers through closed doors
  • Construct positive change through mentorship of women in law enforcement
  • Undercover officer: Exploring the role of an undercover female police officer
  • Thriving in a small sized police department
  • Aspire to reach the top: Understand and conquer the promotional process
  • A spotlight on the Mesa Police Department and epic recruiting
  • Recruiting outside the box for the next generation of female professionals
  • Sales industry strategies to recruit female officers
  • Create a culture of support and excellence
  • Support promotion goals through advancing your education
  • Take control of your physical health to improve mental health
  • Cadet program success: Strategies to improve female inclusion and attrition rate
  • Tactics to prevent professional burnout

“It's not easy being a woman, and it's not easy being a police officer, so putting those two things together is even harder. This is about trying to understand how to find people who understand those things and can support you,” said Kelel.

Kelel’s preconference workshop, Create Stronger Connections Personally and Professionally, will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, the first day of The Women in Law Enforcement Summit, which will be held October 29-31 in Dallas. Click here to learn more, including the full agenda and registration information.