Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement Welcomes 200 Attendees to 16th Annual Conference

The Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement (MAWLE) welcomed approximately 200 attendees to its 16th Annual Conference last week at the Four Points by Sheraton Conference Center in Norwood.

The Norwood Police Department Honor Guard and Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums opened the program, and Trooper Mia Cefalo sang the Star Spangled Banner. Welcoming remarks were provided by Norwood Police Chief William Brooks, Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott and MAWLE President Marie Cleary.

Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara provided the keynote address. Chief McNamara, who also serves as president of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA), spoke about her background and her path to becoming police chief. She also discussed the importance of having mentors and a support system, seeking knowledge, and celebrating those who have succeeded and paved the pathway.

Attendees were able to choose three different breakout sessions throughout the day. They included:

— “How to navigate the dual identity inherent to being an officer,” presented by Amy Carter, Director of Health & Wellness, Haverhill Police Department

— “Women Rising: 9 Lessons on Leadership and Risk,” presented by Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper

— “You may love the job, does the job love you?” presented by Mark DiBona, Protecting the Guardian

— “Locked-In: Forging Awareness & Perspective in Today’s Policing,” presented by Detective Antoine J. Ramos, Boston Police Department

— “Psychosis: A Primer to Assist Police Response to Crisis put on by 5-0 Mental Health,” presented by Laura Bullis (Ret.) MSW, LICSW w/ Officer Arthur DePinho, Boston Police Department

— “How to build your own armor to protect against the hidden dangers of the job,” presented by Amy Carter, Director of Health & Wellness, Haverhill Police Department

— “30×30 Initiative/Women in Law Enforcement,” presented by Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper and NAWLEE Executive Director Kym Craven

— “Financial Strategies for Women,” presented by Trevor Farrington and Allei Holway, Equitable Advisors

— “Public Relations and Media Relations for First Responders,” presented by John Guilfoil, John Guilfoil Public Relations

— “Maternity Leave and Family/Caregiver Rights,” presented by Attorney Rebecca Pontikes, Pontikes Law, LLC

— “Officer’s Injury Rights; Recover Lost Overtime and Detail Pay,” presented by Zachary Ballin, Ballin Law Associates

The MAWLE Executive Board would also like to thank Municipal Police Training Committee Executive Director Chief Robert J. Ferullo (Ret.) for attending and speaking with attendees.

The conference also provided valuable networking opportunities and time to speak with 18 vendors.

The MAWLE Executive Board would like to recognize the Conference Committee: Stephanie Brown, Beverly Public Safety Dispatch; Sgt. Detective Amyleigh DeVito, Boston Police Department; Sgt. Mary Fountain, Rockport Police Department; Superintendent Danielle Frane, Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Superintendent Nicole Grant, Boston Police Department; Chief Cara Rossi, Ashland Police Department; and Superintendent Pauline Wells, Cambridge Police Department.

The MAWLE Executive Board would like to thank conference sponsors: City of Boston Credit Union, Equitable Advisors, Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, The Skin & Body Firm, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Hunt’s Photo & Video, and Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association. Community Sponsors included The Brotherhood for the Fallen – Boston, Boston Police VFW Post 1018, Central Equipment, Commonwealth Police Legacy, Police Exam Solutions/Get Badged, SymbolArts, Trauma Services, Ballin Associates, Ancora Psychological, LLC, Host Group Real Estate Academy, Ballin Law Associates, American International College, and Babes & Badges.

Other supporters included Pizza Barbone, MA Police Jiu Jitsu Team, Behavioral Health Help Line, Boston Police Superior Officers Federation, Brown Family Chiropractic, National Association of Women in Law Enforcement (NAWLEE), National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association, and the Benevolent Asian Jade Society of New England.