In a move toward increasing gender diversity within law enforcement, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office celebrated a significant milestone on Wednesday evening, the first all-woman graduating class of the Criminal Justice Academy of Osceola, an event underscoring the strides being made in encouraging female representation in a predominantly male field. The occasion, dubbed the “Women on Watch” graduation, was not just a ceremony but a beacon of progress, inspired by the ambitious national 30×30 initiative.
Founded by Sheriff Marcos Lopez, the Women on Watch program is a pioneering effort aimed at bolstering the ranks of women in law enforcement. Despite women constituting roughly 12% of sworn officers and a mere 3% of police leadership across the United States, the 30×30 Initiative—officially launched in March 2021—ambitiously seeks to elevate the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30% by the year 2030. The graduation of the eight women from the Criminal Justice Academy of Osceola is a step forward in this critical mission.
The ceremony featured Deputy Sheriff Kortney Ford, an academy training coordinator, who also had the honor of serving as the Master of Ceremonies (MC). The event opened by the national anthem, beautifully rendered by Viviana Soto, and co-MC’d by Guy Samuelson, Director at the academy. Key insights and an empowering message were delivered by Training Lieutenant Trudi Caroll, who served as the keynote speaker.
The graduates of this pioneering class include Class Commander Elizabeth Correa, Senior Squad Leader Selena Rodriguez, Alpha Squad Leader Ashlee Pastor, Bravo Squad Leader Shelby Fernandez, along with Kimberly Cabot, Kayla Jones, Gabriella Mavarez, and Makayla Riley. These women have not only completed rigorous training but have also become symbols of resilience, dedication, and the changing face of law enforcement.
Osceola Technical College Principal Karen Combs spoke during the ceremony, while School Board Member Terry Castillo, and Osceola County School Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff were in attendance to support the graduates. The ceremony finished with the graduates being officially sworn into the agency by Sheriff Lopez, followed by a family members “pinning” the newly minted deputies with their badges.
The standing-room-only event at the sheriff’s office was a testament to the community’s support and enthusiasm for the graduates and what they represent: a future where law enforcement reflects the diversity and strength of the community it serves. As these eight women embark on their careers, they carry the torch for future generations of women in law enforcement, proving that barriers are meant to be broken and that progress, though challenging, is indeed possible.
