Alyssa Smith
Alyssa Smith is a dedicated corrections and investigations professional currently serving as a Parole Hearing Investigator with the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole in Boise, Idaho. Her career in corrections was inspired by witnessing family members navigate the criminal justice system without adequate support, motivating her to be a positive force for change. In her current role, Alyssa conducts interviews with residents up for parole, analyzes case records, and prepares detailed reports that help commissioners make fair, policy-compliant decisions. She collaborates closely with law enforcement, legal professionals, and internal stakeholders to ensure transparency, due process, and informed outcomes.
Alyssa has found the most impact in directly helping people grow and thrive. While working in case management at the Idaho Department of Correction, she supported residents in developing daily life skills, social skills, and coping strategies to process past traumas. She has also led and mentored teams of case managers and interns, implemented training programs, and refined policies to improve operational effectiveness. Her work emphasizes meeting individuals where they are, fostering resilience, and creating meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration with a Management emphasis at Boise State University, Alyssa combines her expertise in corrections with leadership and organizational skills. Over the next five years, she aims to mentor new staff, helping them gain confidence and succeed in a challenging field. Outside of her professional life, Alyssa enjoys camping, paddleboarding, and other outdoor activities, embracing nature as a source of balance and inspiration. Her career reflects a commitment to ethical practice, personal development, and making a tangible difference in the lives of both the people she serves and the colleagues she leads.
• Courageous Leadership 200
• Courageous Leadership 100
• Police Officer/Law Enforcement Officer/Peace Officer Certification (POST)
• Field Training Certification
• Boise State University - BS, Psych
• Boise State University - AS, Criminal Justice and Corrections
• Dean's List
• Certificate of Achievement
• Beta Gamma Sigma
• The Society of Collegiate Leadership and Achievement
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor's Society
• Phi Theta Kappa Honor's Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say it comes in two parts. First, I've had some really good mentors throughout my career who have guided me and taught me, both professionally and personally. Second, I have a really unique way of leadership - I really value getting in the mud with people and learning with them and walking alongside them so that way they're not facing challenges alone. I feel like it really helps build trust in an environment where it is a little bit scary going into it. It's helped me be able to build camaraderie, build trust, build confidence in people, and kind of just watch them flourish in their own way, because you can figure out what they like to learn and where their strengths are. It's really cool seeing somebody figure out that path for themselves. I would also say determination and really being able to look at situations that may not be positive in a more positive light, along with my passion for helping other people.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say to know who you are and stay true to your integrity. Hold your boundaries and be respectful, but treat people with the same respect that you would want to be treated with. The more consistent you are, the more that you show that your decisions are going to stay the same and they're rooted in integrity and accountability, then that really is helpful. Because it helps women be more understood, and shows that they're not going to make rash decisions, and all their decisions are going to be based in honesty and integrity.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say the biggest challenges are really about confidence going into the field. It's a male-dominated field, and sometimes it can be hard to gain your footing and have your voice heard. It's often expected of women to be overly emotional and not be able to handle pressure and stress. But in reality, the women that go into this field are powerful women, and they all have such confidence and carry themselves with a strong presence, but also a level of empathy too. It's really cool to see women step into their own as they come into the field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say integrity and impact would be the most important values for me. Integrity guides all of my decisions and helps ensure they're rooted in honesty and accountability. Impact is what drives my passion for this work - being able to help people and make a real difference in their lives, especially for those who often lack support and have never had anyone take the time to help them learn and grow.