LAAPOA is excited to welcome back the Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Conference on May 7 after a one-year hiatus. This highly anticipated event brings together women from a wide range of law enforcement agencies, backgrounds and ranks for a full day of networking, dynamic speakers from both the profession and other industries, and engaging self-improvement and career development activities.
The conference builds on LAAPOA’s commitment to supporting the growth and advancement of women in policing by providing a welcoming space where attendees can share their experiences, challenges and goals; hear from law enforcement leaders and other professionals about how they overcame adversity and what drove their success; and connect with trusted, law enforcement–friendly resources and vendors offering services to support them across all aspects of their lives.
“This year we’ve taken it a step further by integrating both professional and personal development in a meaningful way, recognizing that to lead effectively in law enforcement, you have to be grounded in every aspect of your life,” LAAPOA Women’s Conference Planning Committee member Maria Iñiguez says. “That’s why we’ve brought in speakers from diverse fields, including financial professionals, mental health experts and a nurse esthetician, to address topics that impact women both on and off duty.”
The event will be led by LAX CIT clinician Barbara King Sutton as master of ceremonies, who will welcome guests and introduce this year’s featured speakers:
- Las Vegas Metropolitan P.D. Sergeant (ret.) Jenn Benjamins
- LASD Lieutenants (ret.) Andrew and Nancy Dahring
- LAPD Captain Amira Eppolito
- Financial advisor Pat Infante
- Nurse esthetician Eva Josan
- A. County mental health clinical supervisor Beatriz Patron
They will explore a range of topics, including leadership and advancement in law enforcement; financial literacy and long-term planning; mental health, resilience and emotional well-being; and personal care, confidence and self-image.
“My hope is that every attendee leaves with practical strategies they can implement daily, renewed confidence in who they are and what they bring to the table, a stronger sense of balance between their personal and professional lives and, most importantly, a deeper understanding of their own identity,” Iñiguez says.
Taken together, these topics reflect this year’s theme, “I Am,” which is inspired by a quote from Audrey Hepburn: “Nothing is impossible; the word itself says ‘I’m possible!’”
“It’s about taking the time to pause and reflect on who you truly are, beyond your title, your assignment or your responsibilities,” Iñiguez explains. “In law enforcement, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of the job and lose sight of your identity outside of it. Our goal is to remind attendees to reconnect with their purpose, values and inner voice. Sometimes, it’s also about just being reminded of your ‘why’ and taking pride in the woman you’ve become through every challenge and success.”
LAAPOA encourages women in law enforcement, along with their male colleagues, to attend this conference. It is intentionally designed by people who understand the demands and challenges of the profession — particularly how isolating it can be for women at times. It offers a space where attendees can share experiences, learn from one another and feel supported.
“This conference offers something unique because it’s not just about motivation; it’s about empowerment,”Iñiguez shares. “Attendees will gain tools, insight and connections that can help them grow as leaders, as professionals and as individuals. It’s an opportunity to step away from the daily demands of the job and invest in yourself, and that’s something every woman deserves.”
From the speakers to the vendors and sponsors, every aspect of the event has been thoughtfully curated by the Women’s Conference Planning Committee to provide meaningful value to attendees. “We are excited to bring women together who are committed to growing, supporting one another and continuing to move forward with confidence and purpose,” Iñiguez says. “Our goal is for every person attending to walk away energized, equipped and connected, with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of their own ‘I am.’”
For more information about the Women’s Conference and to register, please visit LAAPOA.com/womens-conference.