Breaking Boundaries: Empowering Women in Community Justice

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Jennifer Brady is Criminal Justice professional with twenty-six years of service with the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department as a Corrections Officer, the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office as a Victim Witness Advocate, and the Massachusetts Trial Court with the Probation Service. She has served as the Chief Probation Officer in the Hingham District Court for the last eight years. Jennifer has been part of several initiatives and systems changes to advance Evidence Based Practices and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion efforts. She has been awarded three Trial Court Excellence Awards and she is a graduate of the ADL Glass Leadership Institute as well as the Trial Court Leadership Capacity initiative. Ms. Brady holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She has been a trainer and national speaker on issues related to leadership, evidence-based practice, and CBT. Jennifer has been part of numerous committees that have contributed to the agency’s advancement. She has an established quality performance record and the skills to utilize variable and applicable leadership and management styles to serve teams efficiently. She is committed to professional development and creating a strong culture that impacts employee performance and engagement that creates an environment of dignity and respect for the individuals and communities we serve.

Carmen Z. Gomez, PhD is a respected Judicial and Criminal Justice professional with over 26 years of experience in the system. She currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner for Pretrial Services for the Massachusetts Probation Service. She holds a PhD in Philosophy with a concentration in Law, Policy, and Society. She has served as an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities, and as a consultant to local, state, and federal entities providing expertise in the areas of sex crimes, and serial killings. She serves as an APPA Leadership Institute Coordinator and is on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Probation Executive, Enroot, Cambridge Community Services, and the Governor’s Criminal Record Review Board. She is the Co-Founder of the Foundation for Non-Violent Action. She organized the Massachusetts Trial Court’s first annual Women’s History Month Celebration in 2021 and every year after. A continuation of her dedication to advancing women’s rights and securing recognition for their contributions. She is a national speaker and a thought leader in the areas of Racial Justice, Women’s Rights, Leadership Capacity, and Wellness. She is the recipient of the 2020 Amplify Latinx Latina Leader for the category of Government, and Public Policy, 2019 Martin Luther King Spirit Award, 2018 Mutual of America Community Partnership – Rosie’s Place, 2017 Mutual of America – United States Mint Liberty Coin, 2017 Excellence Award Massachusetts Trial Court, 2017 Women of Distinction, 2015 One of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in Massachusetts, 2012 Excellence Award Massachusetts Trial Court, and Distinguished Alumna in Liberal Arts, Humanity, and Education. She has devoted most of her life to public service, civil rights, wellness, leadership, and community engagement. She is committed to creating and supporting systems that embrace diversity, equality, inclusion, access, and a fair and just legal system.

Dr. Alexandra Walker is the Director of Community Relations and Strategy for the Alliance for Community and Justice Innovation (ACJI). With more than 20 years of experience in the field of reentry and behavioral health, she offers a diverse background in evidence-based practices, training, program development, implementation science, and treatment modalities. As a practitioner in the field, Alex worked on a myriad of federal, state, and local justice initiatives and research projects and most recently was the Vice Chair of the Colorado Parole Board. Alex brings a wealth of experience in both community based and institutional corrections and is well versed in the development, implementation, and measurement of implementation related and decision making tools. And is committed to helping organizations reach fidelity to their highest impact practices and programs. At ACJI, Alex’s super power is dreaming big! She provides tools, strategies, research and evaluation supports for implementation efforts at the state and local level, coaches leaders on implementation and staff engagement efforts, and develops practices and resources for specialized populations with organizations across the country.