LETTER FROM WOMEN IN FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, INC, PRESIDENT

August 14, 2023

To my WIFLE Warrior Queens,

Walking the Talk of Inclusive Leadership is the theme chosen for this year’s annual Women in Federal Law Enforcement leadership training, a timely theme following the 2021 Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, and the 2021 Executive Order 14035, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce. These recent executive orders strengthen goals and policies to further strategic efforts for more inclusivity across the federal government.

WIFLE has been a leading advocate for DEIA in federal law enforcement for nearly 25 years now, and we all must take an active role in securing DEIA in our agencies. We have much to be proud of thanks to the years of WIFLE’s advocacy, and I urge you to find creative ways to implement DEIA in your daily tasks as a peer or a leader. This could mean including diverse input during small or large meetings all the way to agency-wide strategic planning – this is what walking the talk is.

I encourage you to meet as many of the attendees as possible this week, we all have so much to share and learn. Be excited to say hello to someone you don’t know or join a group conversation. We already have so much in common being together at WIFLE, don’t be shy! This year’s speakers were selected from among many timely and important topics facing federal law enforcement and the communities where we live and serve. But most importantly, the sessions and workshops will provide a forum to express thoughts, ideas, and challenges common among women in federal law enforcement.

Monday’s line-up includes but is not limited to the following workshops: Emotional Display Rules: How Gender Stereotypes Impact Female Leaders, Giving and Receiving Effective Criticism, How to Create Goals and Boundaries, and a workshop on How to Lead Yourself to Better Lead Others

Tuesday’s Opening Ceremony will feature opening remarks from WIFLE Foundation, Inc.’s new President, Catrina Bonus, WIFLE Foundation, Inc.’s Vice President, Jessie Lane, and myself, this year’s President of Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.’s Executive Committee. Then, our first General Assembly session by a stellar panel will discuss Courage Under Fire: When the Top Cop is a Female followed by an update on The

30x30 Initiative: Building a Culture of Inclusion in Law Enforcement. Tuesday’s break-out sessions cover a variety of topics from agency-sponsored Employee Resource Groups; Building and Maintaining Resilience; and a workshop on career road mapping to leadership positions. Tuesday will end with the ever-popular WIFLE “Members-Only” networking reception.

Wednesday’s General Assembly sessions feature a Case Study on Sex Trafficking and Transnational Criminal Organizations as well a panel on Best Practices in the Interagency Implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017. Wednesday’s break-out sessions will include Overcoming Challenges in Conducting Covert Operations, Trends and Risks of Fentanyl and How to Protect Yourself, as well as a workshop on Firearms Proficiency and Female Retention and a workshop on Prevention, Preparedness, and Response to Active Shooter Incidents.

Thursday will feature workshops on Mental Health and Trauma, Harnessing Gender-Specific Differences in Threat Management Training, as well as informative retirement information and our always-popular Flash Mentoring.

If this is your first WIFLE event, I promise you that the experience will inspire and energize you. If you have attended previous WIFLE events, thank you for returning, and be sure to make the Annual WIFLE Leadership Training as memorable as possible for our first-time attendees.

I look forward to meeting all of you this week and hearing your perspectives on inclusivity and best practices in leadership. Inclusivity is something everyone can do in small and big ways. This week you will take away ideas and inspiration to bring home to your peers, your teams, and to your leadership.

(“Ganbatte Kundasai” – Japanese for do your best, fight, good luck!)

Jessica McTigue President, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Greetings:

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the National Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) Annual Leadership Training and Awards Ceremony held August 14-17, 2023, at the Tampa Marriott Water Street Hotel in Tampa, Florida. The conference theme is Walking the Talk of Inclusive Leadership and Tampa is honored to have been selected for this important conference that includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agenc y attendees. As the former City of Tampa Police Chief, I understand and appreciate the dedication and professionalism you exhibit each day as women in law enforcement and the contributions you make to our communities .

Established in 1999 as a nonprofit, Women in Federal La w Enforcement has earned the reputation globally for its excellence in a broad spectrum of training including tactical, operational, investigative, organizational, professional development, and management and leadership curriculum. The mission of WIFLE inc ludes promoting gender equity through education that provides training, research, scholarships, awards, and networking opportunities in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies and WIFLE members and sponsors. The organization is dedicated to leadi ng change in diversity, equity, opportunity, growth, and recognition.

Tampa is a unique and diverse city and offers an exciting experience for all its visitors, and our rich history, entertainment venues, museums, parks, and restaurants ensure an outstanding time. I hope you will have the opportunity to experience the many cultural and historical venues our city has to offer. Whether you visit one of our landmark attractions, ride the streetcar from downtown to Sparkman Wharf and Historic Ybor City, stroll along Tampa’s Riverwalk or Bayshore Boulevard, spend some time at a signature park, enjoy a meal at one of our fine restaurants or visit our many first-class shopping areas, we are sure you will find your stay to be an unforgettable experience.

Again, welcome, and thank you for your commitment to the safety and well-being of our nation and its citizens. Your roles are vital and greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Jane Castor