Her Story
About Diana
Diana Encinas is a Military Police Investigator serving in the United States Army, where she has built a distinguished career in criminal investigations, law enforcement, and national security. A dedicated lifelong learner, Diana earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology from Purdue Global, graduating summa cum laude while serving on active duty. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in forensic psychology, further expanding her expertise at the intersection of criminal justice, psychology, and investigative work. In addition to her military service, Diana is a certified personal trainer, demonstrating her commitment to discipline, wellness, and helping others achieve their goals. She also holds professional affiliations with organizations including the National Tactical Officers Association and The National Society of Leadership and Success. Diana attributes her success to setting goals, maintaining a commitment to continuous achievement, and always striving for personal and professional growth. Guided by the values of loyalty, selfless service, and perseverance, she is passionate about making a positive impact through her work and leadership. Her advice to young women entering law enforcement and related fields is to believe in themselves, remain determined, and understand that with dedication and resilience, any goal is achievable.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Diana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my drive to continuously set goals and pursue achievement. I have always been someone who needs to have something to work toward—I need goals, challenges, and opportunities to grow. I never want to reach a point where I become stagnant in my career. My commitment to continuous improvement, learning, and pushing myself to achieve the next milestone has helped me continue to grow both personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to believe in myself and have confidence in my abilities. At the beginning of my career, I struggled with whether I could succeed in law enforcement, especially as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. I was reminded that I was just as capable and had the ability to accomplish the same things as anyone else. That encouragement helped me build the confidence and determination that have carried me throughout my career.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in law enforcement is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The demands of the job can require working holidays, late-night shifts, and unpredictable hours, which can mean time away from family and personal commitments. The nature of the work requires being prepared to respond at any moment, whether it is during a difficult shift, in challenging weather conditions, or in the middle of the night. While these demands can be challenging, they are also part of the responsibility and commitment that comes with serving and protecting others.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are loyalty and selfless service. I believe in being committed to the people around me, supporting my team, and always putting the needs of others first. These values guide how I approach my responsibilities, build trust with others, and serve those who depend on me.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.