Do not hesitate! Register now to be one of the lucky 100 female community corrections professionals at APPA’s 3rd Annual Women’s Symposium! APPA is pleased to announce this distinct, day-long personal and professional development event entitled, “Wellness Unveiled: Women Inspiring Women – Empowerment Through Unity.” It will take place on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Come to Indy dressed in PINK (optional) to participate in this FREE, pre-training institute event. Surround yourself with likeminded, powerful, career-oriented community corrections women claiming their greatness as leaders by visualizing their full potential. A variety of presentations will be offered – all aimed at helping women expand their horizons and understanding the importance of self-care; developing strategies for work/life balance; recognizing the importance of internal and external empowerment; and discussing strategies for career advancement. After attending this dynamic event, you will walk away reinvigorated with individualized plans for reaching your personal and professional goals.
Registration for Women's Symposium is FREE. The cost is included in the Institute's registration fee. If you wish to attend this event, please select "Women's Symposium" when you register.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
BREAKING BARRIERS: EMPOWERING WOMEN AS LEADERS AND INNOVATORS
Join Dr. Alexandra Walker and delve into the dynamics of gender representation in leadership roles within criminal justice. Despite strides towards gender equality in most all industries, studies reveal that women often still rely on male connections for advancement opportunities and that once women are in leadership positions, they struggle to be themselves. However, there lies an opportunity for change if you’re willing to take it.
Explore how your scarcity mindset could perpetuate the belief that there's limited space for you and other women at the table. Let’s take the pressure off to conform to traditional masculine leadership traits. The qualities that make you YOU are invaluable to leadership and a refreshing change in criminal justice settings.
This session aims to ignite a powerful conversation and inspire tangible actions towards creating a more equitable and empowering environment for women leaders in the criminal justice field.
Dr. Alexandra Walker is the Director of Community Relations and Strategy for the Alliance for Community and Justice Innovation (ACJI) and has over 20 years of experience working in human services. From mental health and substance use treatment to reentry systems, she has been implementing innovative justice reform strategies in organizations - big and small. Prior to founding ACJI with her partners, Dr. Walker worked across the legal spectrum with her most recent position being the Vice Chair of the Colorado Board of Parole. Throughout her career, Dr. Walker has been tasked with implementing numerous agency-wide and statewide initiatives to create socially significant outcomes.
Leveraging her experience as a public speaker and implementer, Dr. Walker specializes in facilitating small and large group workshops, presentations, and engagement events to identify and address the alignment and adaptive challenges of implementing transformational change. She is a primary facilitator and contributes to the design of the Implementation Leadership Academy and coaches organizational leaders in the application of Implementation Science. Dr. Walker holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a PhD in Sociology from Colorado State University.
CLOSING REMARK
Dr. Topeka K. Sam will deliver motivating, inspiring, and uplifting closing comments specific for female community corrections professionals. Dr. Sam’s words of wisdom will underscore the themes of empowerment and claiming one’s greatness. These comments will assist attendees in recognizing their unique leadership abilities-no matter what role they serve within their agency-while underscoring the importance of visualizing the future they want to create. In addition, Dr. Sam’s remarks will enable attendees to recognize they have the power and internal fortitude to create a path to ensure their desired personal and professional success.
Dr. Topeka K. Sam is the Founder of The Ladies of Hope Ministries, Inc. (@TheLOHM) and founder and President of EPIC Financial PBLLC, TKS Ventures LLC and Faces & Voices Inc.
She serves on the board of directors for The Marshall Project, Operation Restoration, Pure Legacee and United Justice Coalition. She is a strategic advisor for RBIJ and HARP.
She is Co-founder and Visionary Officer of FRSH.
Since her release from federal prison on May 5, 2015, Topeka has served as a 2015 Beyond the Bars Fellow and a 2016 Justice-In-Education Scholar both from Columbia University, 2017 Soros Justice Advocacy Fellow, 2018 Unlocked Futures Inaugural Cohort Member, 2018 Opportunity Agenda Communications Institute Fellow, Director of #Dignity for Incarcerated Women Campaign and Senior Advisor for NYUJ.
She hosted "The Topeka K. Sam Show" on SiriusXM Urban View Channel 126 for 3 years and is now developing scripted and unscripted series as an Executive Producer for TV & Film, inspired by her fight to change the many problems that plague female incarceration.
In 2020, the United Nations appointed Topeka as the Goodwill Ambassador for Social Justice (Incarceration Reform) of the Global Festival of Creative Economy. In December 2020, Topeka received a full presidential pardon for her dedication to helping women turn from a path of despair towards a path of redemption.
On May 5th, 2022, Google.org presented her with the first Social Impact Award at the Variety Magazine/Lifetime TV Power of the Women Summit and later that month she also received her Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from New York Theological Seminary.
Dr. Sam has worked and continues to work selflessly and relentlessly in her fight for the dignity, decriminalization, and decarceration of women and girls.
Topeka has been featured in Vogue, Essence, Salon TV, Vice, New York Times, The Cut, Rolling Stone and Variety Magazine. She has shared her expertise on The Tamron Hall Show, CNN, MSNBC and The Today Show. Additionally, has been featured in Glamour Magazine and Black Enterprise for being “The Black Woman behind the video that led to the Trump Clemency of Alice Johnson.” She has spoken at the 2018 United States of the Woman Conference, 2018 Women in the World Conference, 2018 White House Prison Reform Summit, is a TedxMidAtlantic Superheroes Presenter, and has received many awards for her contributions transforming the lives of women and girls impacted by the criminal legal system.
She has worked and continues to work selflessly and relentlessly in her fight for the dignity, decriminalization, and decarceration of women and girls. All Social Media Handles: @TopekaKSam
HIGHLIGHTS
INSPIRED LEADERSHIP: A PANEL DISCUSSION
Distinguished industry leaders will serve as panelists – addressing a variety of topics relevant to today’s female leaders – empowerment, breaking the glass ceiling, balancing work and life, claiming one’s greatness, surviving burnout, etc. Not only will they provide their unique insight regarding these topics, but there will be many opportunities for attendees to pose questions to the panelists. Submit you question here.
Michelle Stanley
Dr. Kylie Armstrong-Romero
Dr. Alexandra Walker
Michelle D. Stanley currently serves as Deputy Commissioner (DC). Michelle is an experienced executive leader overseeing multifaceted administrative and executive functions to include Human Resources, Recruitment, Strategic Planning, Data and Research, Professional Standards, Training, and Special Projects with the Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS).
Prior to her appointed role in December 2023, Michelle served as the Division of Reentry Services Director. In this role, she was charged with organizing and providing reentry resource assistance through community coordination, housing, education and vocational services to those we serve as well as pre/post maxout reentry services to individuals within the transition centers to further efforts in reducing Georgia’s recidivism rate. In February 2017, she served as Director of Juvenile Services with the agency where she oversaw the transition of Class A Designated Felons from the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to DCS.
Prior to joining the DCS in September 2015, she served in various capacities with the Department of Juvenile Justice over a span of 21 years to include Director of Operations, Division Office Director, Assistant District Director, Program Manager, Transition Counselor, Sr. Juvenile Probation/Parole Officer and Juvenile Probation/Parole Officer. Her career in state government began in 1995 as a Caseworker Sr. with the Division of Family and Children Services.
DC Stanley is a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Certified IT Instructor where she provides instruction in the agency’s leadership and management curriculum: Management Essential Training (MET) and Advance Management Training (AMT). Additionally, she serves as an Adjunct Instructor for Columbus State University, Command College. She is a member of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), American Correctional Association (ACA), Georgia Professional Association of Community Supervision (GPACS) Board Treasurer, Association of Executive Women in Corrections (AWEC), National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ), and Correctional Leaders Association (CLA).
DC Stanley earned her Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia College and State University.
Dr. Kyla Armstrong-Romero, the Director of Multnomah County’s Juvenile Services Division, has a background shaped by resilience, education, and commitment to service.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Armstrong-Romero experienced a nomadic childhood, moving across different states with her mother. At the tender age of 9, she witnessed her stepfather’s attempted murder of her mother and provided crucial testimony that led to his conviction. It was that experience that inspired her trajectory towards a career in public service. Despite childhood adversity and trauma, she found solace in education, viewing it as an escape from life’s challenges.
Dr. Armstrong-Romero graduated with honors from the University of Colorado at Denver in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish with a minor in Sociology. She studied abroad in Mendoza, Argentina, and later lived in Chihuahua, Mexico. She attended graduate school at Regis University, graduating with honors with a Master of Science degree in Criminology in 2012. In January 2017, Dr. Armstrong-Romero completed all requirements for her Ph.D. Program at Capella University. She graduated from the Ph.D. Human Services program with a 4.0 GPA and successfully defended and published her dissertation.
Dr. Armstrong-Romero served a four-year elected term in Colorado as the President of the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education. Her focus while elected was to improve student outcomes by focusing on equity, social and emotional supports, and achievement. She led the Board of Education during one of the most difficult times in educational history, 2020-2021.
Dr. Armstrong-Romero is an adjunct professor at Metropolitan State University and teaches a variety of courses in the Criminal Justice Department.
As the Juvenile Services Division Director, Dr. Armstrong-Romero’s focus is ensuring that the decisions and programs are rooted in the community it serves. In partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the division continues to serve as a model for juvenile detention alternative initiatives and probation transformation. The division is committed to uplifting restorative practices and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to juvenile crime and the overrepresentation of BIPOC youth in the juvenile justice system.
Dr. Alexandra Walker is the Director of Community Relations and Strategy for the Alliance for Community and Justice Innovation (ACJI) and has over 20 years of experience working in human services. From mental health and substance use treatment to reentry systems, she has been implementing innovative justice reform strategies in organizations - big and small. Prior to founding ACJI with her partners, Dr. Walker worked across the legal spectrum with her most recent position being the Vice Chair of the Colorado Board of Parole. Throughout her career, Dr. Walker has been tasked with implementing numerous agency-wide and statewide initiatives to create socially significant outcomes.
Leveraging her experience as a public speaker and implementer, Dr. Walker specializes in facilitating small and large group workshops, presentations, and engagement events to identify and address the alignment and adaptive challenges of implementing transformational change. She is a primary facilitator and contributes to the design of the Implementation Leadership Academy and coaches organizational leaders in the application of Implementation Science. Dr. Walker holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a PhD in Sociology from Colorado State University.
STOP IT! BURNOUT IS REAL
This presentation will help attendees recognize the physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators of burnout; explore a range of evidence-based strategies for preventing burnout (stress management techniques, self-care practices, boundary setting, etc.); and develop personalized burnout action plans tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. This presentation will also help attendees enhance their self-care practices, foster resilience, and empower them to proactively manage and prevent burnout in the long term.
DeBaja Coleman holds the position of Director of Victim and Volunteer Services within the Office of Professional Development & Standards. In this role, she assumes statewide leadership and oversight for the Victim and Volunteer Services Unit. Her primary responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, such as managing and guiding a team of volunteer and victim services staff at both regional and statewide levels, formulating and executing policies and training programs, organizing public education initiatives focused on Victim and Volunteer Services, and establishing community resources and networks to support and enhance program objectives.
Throughout her 15-year tenure with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, Ms. Coleman has held various positions, including Social Services Worker, Balance and Restorative Justice Coordinator, Program Coordinator, and Academy Director.
Ms. Coleman earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University. Additionally, she obtained a Master of Education degree with a concentration in history from the same institution. Notably, she serves as the Area Representative for Georgia and holds the Co-Chair position on the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee for the American Probation and Parole Association. She also serves as a board member for the Westside Works advisory board. Recently, Ms. Coleman was appointed as the President and Southeast Regional Representative of the Georgia Chapter of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. Furthermore, she is a certified trainer for John Maxwell and holds various other certifications, including Post Senior Instructor, Peer Support, Resiliency Instructor, and Balance and Restorative Justice. Her expertise as a trainer has led her to deliver training sessions at national conferences across the country.
EFFECTIVELY HANDLING MICROAGGRESSIONS
This session will provide an overview of behavioral, environmental, and verbal microaggressions. The presentation will also provide a working definition of microaggression; enable participants to reflect on any microaggressions they may have experienced, and gain strategies for how to effectively handle and respond to microaggression in the workplace. Through thoughtful discussion and problem solving, participants will gain an understanding how a statement, action, or incident can be an indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group.
Kim Olver, LCPC, NCC, BCC is a distinguished speaker, accomplished author, and esteemed advocate for diversity and inclusion. With a wealth of experience in coaching, counseling, and facilitating transformative conversations, Kim brings a unique perspective to the complex issues of diversity and microaggressions.
As the founder of Olver International, Kim has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and organizations to embrace diversity, foster inclusive environments, and cultivate understanding across cultural divides. With her compassionate approach and deep understanding of human behavior, she helps audiences navigate the nuances of diversity and address the subtle yet impactful nature of microaggressions.
Kim's expertise extends beyond theory to practical strategies for creating cultures of respect and belonging. Through her dynamic presentations and interactive workshops, she equips attendees with the tools and insights needed to recognize, address, and prevent microaggressions in their personal and professional lives.
A sought-after thought leader in her field, Kim has been featured in numerous media outlets and is the author of several acclaimed books, including, Leveraging Diversity at Work, Secrets of Happy Couples, Choosing Me Now and her forthcoming book, Mental Freedom. Her commitment to social justice and equality is evident in her advocacy work and ongoing efforts to promote understanding and acceptance in diverse communities.
VISUALIZING THE FUTURE YOU WANT
Leave the symposium after having created a vision board representing your future dreams, goals, and aspirations. This creative, hands-on project will serve to remind attendees that they are responsible for crafting their own futures. Note: Bring three to four magazines to create your vision board.
Carmen Gomez
Jennifer Brady
Carmen Z. Gomez, PhD, is a criminal justice and judicial professional and DEIA advocate with over 26 years of experience. She currently serves as a Deputy Commissioner for the Massachusetts Probation Service. She holds a PhD in Philosophy with a concentration in Law, Policy, and Society; master’s and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice; and master’s level certificates in mediation and hostage negotiation, domestic violence, CJ management, and behavioral analysis. 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.
Ms. Gomez serves as an APPA Leadership Institute Coordinator. She also serves 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 recipient of numerous awards including the 2020 Amplify Latinx Latina Leader for the category of Government and Public Policy, the 2019 Martin Luther King Spirit Award, the 2017 Excellence Award Massachusetts Trial Court, and the 2017 Women of Distinction.
Ms. Gomez 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, accessibility, and a fair and just legal system.
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.
Planning Committee Members
Yolanda Bethea, Jennifer Brady, Debaja Coleman, Carmen Gomez, PhD, Alisha Shoates James, and Delores M. Johnson
