NAWLEE 30th Anniversary: Women in law enforcement leadership

In March 1996, the landscape of law enforcement leadership for women looked very different than it does today. There were few seats at the executive table and even fewer roadmaps on how to reach them. But that year, a group of six female police leaders, with the goal of mentoring and supporting women in law enforcement, decided that if a seat didn’t exist, they would build the table themselves.

For three decades, NAWLEE (National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives) has operated under a singular mission: to Lead, Inspire, and Mentor, transforming a grassroots start-up into a driving force that supports women at every step in their law enforcement journey while simultaneously - changing the culture of policing for the better. 

A partnership from day one

Motorola Solutions is a founding partner of NAWLEE. Over the last 30 years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting their growth and in particular, sponsoring the Woman Law Enforcement Executive of the Year award, honoring  those who lead with distinction. 

“As President of NAWLEE, I’m especially proud to recognize Motorola as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary Conference,” says Julie Rodriguez, Captain, Los Angeles Police Department. “As the founding partner, their unwavering commitment to public safety has been part of our story from the very beginning. For 30 years, their support has helped open doors for women and elevate our voices across the policing profession. We are deeply grateful for their continued partnership and belief in our mission.”

Carrie Hemmen, Senior Director & Vice-President at Motorola Solutions, and NAWLEE Board of Directors member, reflects, “Having experienced NAWLEE firsthand as a professional staff member in my prior law enforcement career,  and now supporting its mission at Motorola Solutions, this 30-year anniversary truly feels like a full-circle moment. It underscores the profound impact NAWLEE has on both sworn and professional staff across law enforcement.” Carrie emphasizes, “It is a true honor to represent both organizations and the unwavering partnership that was forged three decades ago.”  

The WoLEEY award

Carrie Hemmen will present the Woman Law Enforcement Executive of the Year award at the 30th Anniversary NAWLEE Leadership Conference. 

30x30

One of the key programs NAWLEE leads is the 30x30 Initiative, a joint effort between NAWLEE and the Policing Project at NYU, (New York University), School of Law. The purpose is to increase the number of women in police recruit classes to 30% by 2030. The effort focuses on improving recruiting, retention, and workplace culture for all women in policing.

“Thirty years ago, women in law enforcement leadership were the exception,” says Lynette Falzone, Assistant Chief of Police, City of Fort Lauderdale and First Vice President, NAWLEE. “Today, because of NAWLEE, we are the standard. It is the honor of my career to step into this presidency carrying 30 years of courage behind me and an unwavering belief that our best chapter is still ahead."

Forging the next 30 years

The founders of NAWLEE didn't just break the glass; they redesigned the architecture of the room. Today, they aren’t just opening doors—they are building the floor for the next generation. They have turned what some might have once viewed as a rare path into a permanent, powerful foundation for every woman who seeks a career in policing. The climb to leadership is no longer an exception, but the established norm. 

Happy 30th Anniversary! We celebrate all the women of NAWLEE and the recruits of the future. Thank you for your leadership, resilience and dedication. Here’s to the legacy you’ve built and the future we are forging together.

For more information, go to nawlee.org and Woman Law Enforcement Executive of the Year (WoLEEY).