Women’s History Month in 2025 will be one for the history books at the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA). The FSA is proud to announce the successful completion of the first-ever Florida Sheriffs Women’s Leadership Academy. This groundbreaking leadership program is designed to elevate women currently serving in leadership roles within Florida’s Sheriffs’ Offices.

The academy was held from March 18-20, 2025, at the FSA Training Center in Tallahassee, and provides a 20-hour immersive experience focused on career development, leadership and mentorship. The program featured industry-leading experts, including Florida’s four elected female sheriffs—retired Sheriff Susan Benton (Highlands County), retired Sheriff Sadie Darnell (Alachua County), Sheriff Michelle Cook (Clay County), and Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz (Miami-Dade County). These trailblazing leaders shared their experiences, challenges and leadership strategies to inspire the next generation of women in law enforcement.

“The Florida Sheriffs Women’s Leadership Academy is not only a significant step towards leadership development for Florida’s top women law enforcement leaders, but it is also a major step in achieving the goals of the 30×30 Initiative, a national effort to increase the representation of women in law enforcement to 30% by 2030,” said Florida Sheriffs Association President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. “By providing targeted leadership training, mentorship and career development opportunities, we are paving the way for more women to rise through the ranks and lead with excellence.”

The program’s curriculum covered essential leadership topics, including:

• The History of Women in Florida Law Enforcement
• Mentorship and Career Advancement
• Resiliency in Law Enforcement
• Recruitment and Retention Strategies
• Effective Communication and Emotional Intelligence
• Mental Health and Self-Awareness

The Florida Sheriffs Women’s Leadership Academy is not only a milestone for the state but a trailblazing initiative in breaking down barriers and overcoming negative stigmas faced by women in law enforcement.

“This inaugural academy is historic for the future of law enforcement in Florida,” said Florida Sheriffs Association Executive Director Matt Dunagan. “These graduates—and the leaders who facilitated their training—are paving the way to welcome more women into law enforcement leadership in the coming years.”

The Florida Sheriffs Association remains committed to fostering leadership and professional growth within the law enforcement community, ensuring that the next generation of women leaders are well-equipped to serve and protect Florida’s communities.

For more information about the Florida Sheriffs Women’s Leadership Academy and the mission of the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.

Florida Sheriffs Women’s Leadership Academy Class 1 Graduates

• Alachua County – Sergeant Sandi Myers
• Alachua County – Sergeant Maddison J. Telle
• Bay County – Chief Financial Officer Kimberly Cummings
• Bay County – Communications Manager Dixie J. Westbrook
• Bradford County – Corporal Lakiesha Lewis
• Broward County – Assistant to the Sheriff Alynthia V. Holbert
• Charlotte County – Captain Tabbatha Carter
• Charlotte County – Sergeant Elizabeth M. Martinez
• Clay County – Assistant Chief Ashley Barber
• Clay County – Sergeant Thalantha Jones
• Collier County – Human Resources Manager Andrea Cousins
• Collier County – Sergeant Karen Eggleston Negron
• Dixie County – Lieutenant Lisa Brock
• Escambia County – Chief of Staff Whitney C. Lucas
• Flagler County – Sergeant Mita Nicolas
• Franklin County – Lieutenant Frances Messer
• Gadsden County – Director of Human Resources Shalottie R. Mosley
• Gulf County – Sergeant Jessica A. Page
• Hardee County – Sergeant Jessica N. Hernandez
• Hillsborough County – Deputy Svetlana Dodd
• Hillsborough County – Corporal Katelyn Kotfila
• Indian River County – Lieutenant Linda Nolan
• Jacksonville – Commander Erica Weber
• Leon County – Chief Diane Sheffield
• Madison County – Major Beatrice Teresa Williams Livingston
• Marion County – Executive Director of Administration Nichole Dodd
• Miami-Dade – Lieutenant Karin Bobe-Colon
• Monroe County – Captain Lissette Quintero
• Nassau County – Communications Supervisor Danielle Rubio
• Okaloosa County – Communications Assistant Manager Audrey Adams
• Okeechobee County – Sergeant Dorailys Arroyo-Sanchez
• Orange County – Major Mariluz Santana
• Orange County – Captain Ashley Strange
• Putnam County – Deputy Holly Griffith
• Sarasota County – Emergency Operations Supervisor Josie Lopez
• Seminole County – Sergeant Michelle H. Lord
• St. Johns County – Manager Jennifer Smith
• St. Lucie County – Captain Yulieth Ortiz
• Sumter County – Sergeant Athena C. Ross
• Volusia County – Assistant Director Shequina K. Doby
• Walton County – Sergeant Pamela H. Gilmore
• Walton County – Executive Assistant to the Sheriff Alli Lytle

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About Florida Sheriffs Association
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state’s law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs’ Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.