LETTER FROM WIFLE FOUNDATION, INC., PRESIDENT

August 14, 2023

Dear Attendees,

I would like to warmly welcome you to Tampa, Florida and to the 2023 WIFLE Foundation, Inc. Annual Leadership Training. I know you have worked hard to get here, and I have no doubt you will benefit greatly from this exciting week.

Our theme for 2023 is “Walking the Talk of Inclusive Leadership.” In creating our leadership program, we wanted to highlight law enforcement agencies, leaders, private organizations, programs, and initiatives that are setting the example for others, that create an environment where we feel respected, valued, and able to contribute our best work.

In the spirit of inclusion, our focus is to continue to capitalize on the importance of partnerships by expanding our outreach efforts exponentially. As a result, we have identified the following WIFLE partner priorities, processes, and initiatives:

» Agencies and leaders who are keeping with WIFLE’s mission of promoting gender equity.

» Organizations who are working to increase the percentage of women in law enforcement.

» Agency leaders who are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in their workforce.

» Initiatives that promote leadership development and increase promotion potential for women.

» Efforts to change outdated policies that represent barriers to progress and work toward ensuring women in our demanding profession can have long, successful careers.

» Highlight emerging topics that allow us to advance our profession and help us in our day-to-day responsibilities.

Vice President Jessie Lane and I were intentional with our program to ensure it created a meaningful week for you. Each day focuses on content related to Professional Development, Leadership, Law Enforcement and Security, and Navigating Your Career. All of this developed around “Walking the Talk of Inclusive Leadership.”

Throughout the week, you will hear from powerful speakers who represent the best and brightest in our field. They will showcase best practices around a variety of topics, share their insights and expertise, and discuss challenges and opportunities facing women in law enforcement. They will impart successful skills and strategies we need to be effective leaders. We could not have put this training together without their participation, and I extend my sincerest gratitude to them for investing their time to provide a top-notch event for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to the formal sessions, you will have the opportunity to network with others in law enforcement, from across the country, even from across the world. Enjoy getting to know your fellow WIFLE attendees. During breakfast or lunch, at our WIFLE Welcome Reception, WIFLE members/new members networking event, WIFLE Awards Banquet, and during our Flash Mentoring, this week is about learning from others, sharing ideas, and building relationships.

I encourage you to make contacts and forge connections that will provide a long-lasting support system for you. This includes me. I hope you will stop me and introduce yourself. I would love to chat and get to know you. Take advantage of all this week has to offer. Ask questions, participate in discussions, exchange emails and phone numbers, and connect with your fellow colleagues. The more you get out of this training - the more you will benefit from it.

Finally, I want to acknowledge your impact in law enforcement. You are powerful, capable, courageous women who make a difference in your agency and in your community. You are valued. You are appreciated. You are strong. WIFLE Strong. WIFLE is proud to support you and we are committed to helping you as you continue to make significant contributions to our profession.

You are the future of law enforcement, and I am excited to see what you will accomplish. I encourage you to always remember the importance of your role as a role model and mentor. As women in law enforcement, you inspire and empower other women to pursue careers in this field. You show them that it is possible to be successful in this demanding and noble profession.

In closing, I would like to share that I am truly honored to have been selected to serve as President of the WIFLE Foundation, Inc. and Executive Director of Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. I am strongly committed – and I will do my absolute best to represent you and the WIFLE organization in the highest manner possible..

Thank you for choosing WIFLE. We look forward to a productive and inspiring week.

Sincerely,

Catrina M. Bonus