Lindsey Alli, MBA, CLEE Youth Recruiting Sergeant

Columbus Division of Police

Lindsey Alli has served the citizens of Columbus, Ohio, for the past 15 years. Currently, she is a Recruiting Sergeant in charge of the Cadet Program and Public Safety Corps (PSC) Youth Program. Prior to implementing the Cadet Program, a paid internship for young adults with a desire to be law enforcement professionals, Lindsey served as a Patrol Sergeant. She spent seven (7) years in patrol as an officer, with special assignments in the Crime Scene Search Unit and Recruiting. Over her career, she has served in roles as a Field Training Officer, a Peer Assistance Team member, a Crisis Intervention Team member, an Employee Action Review System (EARS) committee member, an Awards Committee member, an FOP Grievance Representative and served on the Columbus Civil Service Oral Board Grading Committee. Lindsey is an Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Basic and Defensive Tactics instructor and serves as a guest instructor for The Columbus Division of Police Training Academy.

In the community, Lindsey has served as the President of The Ohio Women’s Law Enforcement Network (OWLEN) since 2015. She was appointed to the Commission on Black Girls in 2018 and serves on the African-American and African Studies Advisory Council (AAASAC) for The Ohio State University. She was the Vice Chair of Drug Safe Worthington (DSW) from 2017-2019 and a member and instructor of the Teens and Police Service Academy (TAPS) since 2015.

Lindsey obtained her Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE) certification through the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) in 2020. She completed an Expert Witness Program at Capital University Law School in 2018 and earned her master’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources from Franklin University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from The Ohio State University and is currently obtaining her Doctorate in Education at Baylor University.

Sherrie Allsup Founder

Courage Starts With You

Sherrie is an international speaker, an educator, and an advocate on the topics of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and suicide. Sherrie is a survivor of long-term sexual abuse, trauma, and suicide attempt. After much hard work and healing Sherrie became the founder and CEO of Courage Starts With You. She now travels and shares her story to shine a light on the lifelong challenges that sexual abuse and trauma leave behind Sherrie’s training centers around shining a light on the dark epidemic of sexual abuse and assault.  She is a member of RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest, and Neglect Network).   

Sherrie is the Founder of “Courage Starts with You.”  For victims, Courage means telling someone and reaching out for help.  For law enforcement, Courage means looking beyond traditional victim interview techniques to recognize how and why victims of assault may act differently than victims of other crimes. 

Vereen Barton, MAFP, MPhil Captain, Assistant Division Chief, Director of Investigative & OAO Services

Maryland-National Capital Park Police

Assistant Chief Vereen Barton is a prolific servant leader. She was inspired to serve by her mother and visionaries like Aurora Lola Baldwin, the first sworn female full-time police officer in the United States in 1908; Isabella Goodwin, the first female detective in 1912 and Penny Harrington, the first female to lead a major police department in 1985. She knew she was called to serve and has passionately done so for more than 25 years. Assistant Chief Barton is a true trailblazer for women in law enforcement and leadership, committing her life to education and service. She graduated from Butler University, Argosy University, and Walden University. She holds a bachelor's degree in Arts Administration, a Master's in Forensic Psychology, and a master’s degree in Philosophy. She is currently working on her Dissertation for her Doctorate in Forensic Psychology.

She served her community as a Fire Fighter/EMT for over ten years and as a police officer for 20-plus years. She is currently the Assistant Chief and Director of Investigative Services, Recruiting, and the Office of Accountability and Oversight with the Maryland-National Capital Park Police.   A 4-time recipient of the MPCTC instructor of the year award, she has been recognized for excellence in training. Other recognition includes a Police Leadership award and a Chief's Award. Additionally, she received the first MLK award from the University of Maryland Hospital Center's Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center for her collaborative work with survivors of domestic violence. She received the Edward DeHavine Brown Community Service Award for training her community in CPR.  Assistant Chief Barton is a proud member of IACP, PERF, NOBLE. She is a proud puppy mom and in her spare time she loves to read a play with her two Pomeranians Beanie and Gunnar. She is also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated and demonstrates their motto, "greater service, greater progress" everyday.

Sam Blonder CEO

Epic Recruiting

Sam Blonder received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in classic film techniques from the Savannah College of Art and Design. In 2004, he co-founded Epic and has spent the last 17 years growing this dynamic agency into a creative powerhouse. Under Sam's leadership Epic will continue to be a industry leader, expanding its services while deftly reaching into new markets. In 2011 Epic expanded into law enforcement recruiting. This marriage of top flight creative with targeted digital recruiting is a perfect fit for law enforcement as well as a personally rewarding way to work with the men and women of law enforcement.

Mike Boward Sergeant

Fort Collins Police Department

Mike Boward has over 28 years of law enforcement experience, including over 24 years at his current agency in Fort Collins, Colorado.   He is a Sergeant assigned to the Fort Collins Police Personnel and Training Unit.   Previously he served as a Patrol Sergeant and a Training Officer in the Personnel and Training Unit where he coordinated recruiting, police officer hiring and background investigations.  Boward served as a Criminal Investigations Detective for over six years prior and was a Field Training Officer.   Boward has taught numerous courses locally and around the nation, including Recruiting and Hiring Strategies, Robbery Investigations, Auto Theft, and Criminal Interdiction.  He is a Lead Skills instructor in police driving and is the Fort Collins Police Academy supervisor.  Boward earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Andrews University.

Janice Brown Sergeant

Chicago Police Department

Growing up in Chicago's far south side neighborhoods was challenging. At an early age I realized I had to disprove the stereotypes that haunted my community and my family. Education became the catalyst to break the cycle, leading to achieving my goals and dreams.

My undergraduate studies took place at East Texas Baptist University and was completed at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History. Like most college students, it was difficult to find a salary paying job in my field of study so I accepted a part time job in retail loss prevention. It was in this position that I gained an undoubted interest in law enforcement. I enjoyed helping others and maintaining a safe environment for patrons and employees.  My hard work and dedication led to the appointment of a supervisory position as Acting Lead of Loss Prevention.

A close friend who knew my career goals heard that the Chicago Police Department was hiring and encouraged me to apply. It was a seven month application process. I was truly relieved but honored when I received my notification to start the training academy in September of 2004. The police academy truly prepared me for a great career in law enforcement.

Shortly after completing my probationary status, I went back to school and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration, from Calumet College of St. Joseph, in Whiting, Indiana. I have enjoyed working in the field of law enforcement. Throughout my 18 years as a Chicago Police Officer, I have had the opportunity to work on several specialized teams such as the District Bike Team, District Gang Team, Citywide Mobile Strike Force, Area Gun Team, Office of Community Poling and the Special Events Section, all which have enhanced my problem-solving skills, expanded my community engagement capabilities while maintaining public safety. I have been a recipient of over 70 awards including, honorable mentions, complimentary letters, a problem-solving award and a Special Commendation.

Proudly, I was promoted to Sergeant in with the Chicago Police Department in October of 2018. Currently I am assigned to the Special Events Section where I supervise a team of thirteen police officers to oversee the operations of writing and approving dignitary escorts, memos and Incident Action Plans for all events throughout the city. In this position our unit serves as a liaison for city, state and federal agencies to ensure the safety of all persons participating and attending both public and private events.

I am a true believer of advocating for the equity and inclusion of women in this male dominated field. To further integrate and propel policing as a part of my life, I founded the Chicago Association of Women in Law Enforcement (CAWLE) in 2016. I am also a member, as well as CAWLE is an affiliate organization of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) and the International Association of Women Police (IAWP). Proudly, CAWLE was selected to host the 61^st Annual International Association of Women Police Training Conference and Board Meetings in 2024. I am a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).

To maintain the balance between work and home I enjoy traveling, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Yasmin Brown Captain, Assistant Chief, Support Operations

Maryland-National Capital Park Police

Assistant Chief Yasmin Brown has 20 years of law enforcement experience with the Maryland-National Capital Park Police (Prince George's County Division). Prior to her employment with the Park Police, she served as a dispatcher with the Prince George's County Police Department for 4 years. During her tenure, she has served as Patrol Officer, Mounted Officer, Patrol Sergeant, K-9 Unit Supervisor, Field Training Officer, Field Training Program Coordinator, Patrol Lieutenant, Support Operations Lieutenant, Investigative Operations Captain/Assistant Chief and currently Support Operations Captain/Assistant Chief. Her responsibilities include management of the day-to-day operations of the Communications Division, the Records Section, the Technology Section, and the Training Division. She serves as the lead General/Academic instructor, Master EVOC instructor and lead Defensive Tactics instructor for her agency, as well as a guest instructor at the Prince George's County Police Academy. She also serves as an instructor at the Prince George's Community College Municipal Academy. She is the recepient of numerous awards to include Meritorious Achievement Awards, the Joseph K. Brown Academic Award (2002), MPCTC Instructor of the Year (2013) and the Leadership Award (2020). She attended the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command in 2015 and she completed the IACP Leadership in Police Organization in 2017. She is a dynamic leader with a passion for the profession, a passion for leading, and a strong passion for fostering career development for subordinate employees through training and mentoring. She has been instrumental in building and maintaining positive relationships with other agencies and community leaders and coordinating efforts between multiple agencies for positive operational outcomes. "My personal goal is to develop a police force that is known for its professionalism and dedication to it's officers and to the community that it serves.

Joann R. Lopez Sergeant, Downtown Public Safety Unit

Albuquerque Police Department

Erica Lowry Sergeant, Crisis Intervention Unit

Albuquerque Police Department

I was born and raised in the South Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I graduated from Rio Grande High School and attended the University of New Mexico for my Bachelor’s degree, majoring in Criminology and minoring in Psychology.

Using my Bachelor of Arts degree in my current profession with the Albuquerque Police Department, I have been a police officer since April 2009 and promoted to Sergeant in July 2019. In addition, I have worked in the field taking calls for service, participated with the Emergency Response Team, the Horse Mounted Unit, the Crisis Intervention team, Honor Guard Team, and Peer Support Program. I became a Crimes Against Children Detective and served in that capacity for three years, where I worked closely with the District Attorney’s Office, All Faith’s Receiving home, and the Children, Youth and Families Department.

I am currently assigned to the Downtown Public Safety District overseeing the Downtown Unit. I am a certified Enhanced Crisis Intervention officer/Coordinator, Basic Instructor, and have training in basic search and rescue. Our Downtown Unit collaborates with multiple stakeholders within the Downtown area to take action, reduce criminal activity, and assist with the homeless population increasing the quality of life, by strategically offering resources.  We work directly with Heading Home, Family-Community Services, Solid Waste, Street Connect, Block by Block, and LEAD to minimize homeless encampments within the Downtown District, as well as facilitating with the Downtown ECHO community meetings and the Downtown Communication Partnership team to identify and address suspicious activity and trends in the Downtown area. 

Away from work, and for the past 20 years, my husband and I coach the Rio Grande High School Lady Ravens soccer team. I have a passion to inspire young athletes and give back to the community I was raised in.  I enjoy working out, boxing, and continuing my education, and I have recently graduated with my Master’s in Business Administration through the Anderson School of Management at UNM.

I have three children: an energetic eight-year-old and two three-year olds who keep me motivated to continue to learn and bring a new refreshed outlook of inspiration to everyday obstacles.

Michelle McAllister Detective, Police Personnel, Background Investigator

Prince William County Police Department

Detective Michelle McAllister has over 17 years of law enforcement experience. She received a college degree in Criminal Justice. Detective McAllister began her law enforcement career as a patrol officer for five years, then became a Detective in the Criminal Investigations Division serving the in the Property Crimes, and Special Victims Unit. During this time, she was a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for 4 ½ years. Detective McAllister later went to the Special Investigations Bureau and served on the Northern Virginia Gang Task Force for five years. Currently Detective McAllister is a background investigator for the Personnel Bureau. Detective McAllister is a three-time recipient of the Valor Awards, two-time recipient of the Prince William County Executive award, and numerous agency recognitions for her investigative work. Detective McAllister also has received Congressional recognition, meritorious action, and Public Service awards from the U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Virginia for her federal undercover and prosecutorial work.

Brittany Noble Digital Marketing Manager

Epic Recruiting

Brittany Noble is Epic’s Digital Marketing Manager. After graduating from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Marketing, she started her Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in finance. Brittany loves all things marketing, but especially strategy, budgeting, and analytics reporting. She has enjoyed experiencing all the nuances marketing has to offer and is looking forward to continued growth in and with the marketing industry.

Nik Rasheta Detective, Recruiter, Community Relations Division

Mesa Police Department

Nik Rasheta has been with the Mesa Police Department since 2006. He is currently a full-time recruiter in the Community Relations Division. Prior to recruiting his assignments have included Public Information Officer (PIO), Special Victims Unit Detective, Hostage Negotiator, and Patrol. In his free time Nik takes to the skies as a paraglider and powered paraglider pilot / instructor. His passion for flying has taken him all over the world as a sponsored team pilot and brand ambassador within the sport. Working for the Mesa Police Department as a PIO and a Recruiter has given him the opportunity to use his social media experience to create content and highlight the amazing humans behind the badge and the exciting career path that Law Enforcement offers. 

Astrid Robinson Lieutenant

Prince William County Police Department

Lieutenant Astrid Robinson has over 23 years of law enforcement experience.  She received a college degree from Hawaii Pacific University in Justice Administration.  Lieutenant Robinson began her law enforcement career with the Virginia State Police as a trooper in 1989.  Later in 2001, she joined Prince William County Police Department. 

Lieutenant Robinson served two years in Patrol, then became a detective in the Criminal Investigations Division serving in the Property Crimes, Robbery and Homicide Units.  During this time, she received a Valor Award for a shooting incident in 2005.  Upon promotion to Sergeant, she transferred back to Patrol and then to Personnel responsible for recruiting.  Lieutenant Robinson later went to the Robbery and Homicide Unit and was promoted in place as a First Sergeant.  After serving there for four years, she promoted to Lieutenant in Operations as a Watch Commander.  Lieutenant Robinson is currently an Assistant Academy Director and was instrumental in developing the Women’s Mentorship Program for the Prince William County Police Department. 

Rachel Tenenbaum, CNTC, PCC, CPCC Coach and Mentor Leader

A bright energetic powerhouse in the development realm, Rachel Tenenbaum is the Founder/CEO of I AM Living. Tenenbaum works with entrepreneurs, leaders + Fortune100 orgs around the world, teaching them how to defuse stress, catapult collaboration, foster innovation, and retrain their brain to generate greater efficacy, engagement, and wellbeing.

A NeuroTransformational Coach, Rachel Tenenbaum is also a Professional Certified Co-Active leadership and development Coach (CPCC) and certified by the International Coach Federation as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC). She is a graduate of the Coaches Training Institute’s Leadership program and licensed to deliver the cutting-edge work of BEabove Leadership, which blends neuroscience, coaching, and consciousness. She is an NLP (Neuro-linguistic Programming) Practitioner and certified to deliver the groundbreaking 360 Leadership Circle Profile assessment. This is all complemented by thousands of hours of training in Mindfulness and Mind-Body awareness.

Tenenbaum is published in Forbes, Thrive Global, and other syndications. She focuses on topics relating to the brain, stress, leadership development, and mindfulness. She is a contributor to Insight Timer, which is a global meditation platform and a CHIEF guide + facilitator for leading women executives.

Kristen Wright Sergeant, Recruiting and Sworn Selection Unit

Arizona Department of Public Safety

12 years in law enforcement, prior Savannah Chatham Metro PD (6 years with 3.5 years as narcotics detective), 6 years AZ DPS (3 years Phoenix graves, 2 years Drill instructor at State Trooper Academy, promoted in September of 2020 directly into the Recruiting Unit.) Arizona POST certified Physical Test Instructor, ISSA certified personal trainer and OCB (organization of competitive bodybuilding) figure competitor.

Shelley Zimmerman Former Chief of Police (Retired)

San Diego Police Department

Shelley Zimmerman is San Diego’s former Chief of Police. She retired in 2018 after 35 years with the Police Department and joined National University in January 2019, focusing on public safety and leadership. She is a sought after speaker on the myriad of challenges and opportunities policing brings in the 21^st Century.

She believes in community policing and that public safety is a shared responsibility with everyone playing a crucial role in keeping San Diego safe.

During her tenure as Chief of Police, San Diego‘s overall crime fell to its lowest level in 49 years. She instituted new policies and deployed new equipment such as body worn cameras (the largest city at the time to do so), and gunshot detection sensors.  

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she is a graduate of the Ohio State University and the FBI National Academy.

She is an avid sports fan and often participates in athletic charity fundraisers.