Influential Woman · Criminal Justice

Alexandra Rico

Legal Advocate, Crisis Center for South Suburbia

Tinley Park, IL

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with a minor in Human Services Degree University of Phoenix Degree 2018

Her Story

About Alexandra

I've been working in criminal justice for 16 years, and my journey into this field is deeply personal. I grew up in a domestic violence home, and as a child exposed to that, you have two choices - you can either continue the path you're witnessing or take the path for success and help others in similar situations. Being the oldest sibling, I didn't want my siblings to look at me and see bad behavior. I wanted them to see success. That's what really motivated me to go into criminal justice - growing up in an unfortunate environment and now being able to help people in this area. I work for a non-profit organization specifically with victims of domestic violence. One of the biggest challenges I face is that I feel the justice system isn't doing enough to help victims the way they should be helped. I've seen throughout my career that most of the time, the defendants get more support from the justice system than the victims themselves. Despite these challenges, I'm passionate about this work and committed to making a difference for those who need it most.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Alexandra

01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I've received is to continue to keep moving forward, despite the challenges that come at you. Keep pushing forward. Those challenges are really just distractions to distract you from what you're about to achieve. So really, the best advice is just to continue to move forward and not look back.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My piece of advice would be to do what you do and make sure that you're passionate about it. I think that's a huge factor. I see the younger generation doing something just to do it, or they're being told to do it, rather than being passionate about it. So I would say, if you're going to be getting into something, just make sure that you're truly passionate about it, because you don't want to look back and be like, man, I was miserable doing something that I wasn't...that I really didn't enjoy.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Some of the biggest challenges are some of the laws. I feel like there should be more to do for victims of domestic violence, because I do work specifically with victims of domestic violence. I just feel like the justice system isn't doing much to be able to help them in the way that they should be helped. I've seen within my career that most of the time, the defendants are the ones that get more support from the justice system than the victims themselves. That has been a little bit challenging, and continues to be challenging. As far as opportunities, I would say definitely growth. Every day you just learn something new, and it definitely allows you to grow within the skills that you thought you once felt that you were successful in. It's just really the growth, that's what it is.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

My top three values are integrity, compassion, and leadership. These values guide everything I do, both professionally and personally.

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