Her Story
About Janel
I am the regional supervisor for workforce development in the central region of Virginia for the Department of Corrections. My role involves supervising staff at intensive reentry sites, conducting site visits, facilitating job and resource fairs, hosting topical seminars with employers, and connecting with community partners. I was inspired to enter this field after seeing family and friends struggle with reentry support after incarceration. I hold an Associates in Human Services, a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology with focus on Human Services, a CLA CLT logistics certification, and am enrolled in a Master's in Public Administration at VCU.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Janel
01What do you attribute your success to?
My parents' sacrifices and emphasis on hard work and education. My mom earned her doctorate from VCU after raising five children, starting at community college. My dad worked over 30 years at Hampden-Sydney College after limited education due to school closures.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be yourself, strive for goals, do things the right way without shortcuts, and do not take things personally. Received Q-tip reminder: quit taking it personal.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be confident, know the full picture and culture of the environment, stand firm on education and goals, be professional, and recognize unconscious biases in leadership.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Getting community partners to give people a second chance and employ those with incarceration histories.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Treating people well, doing the right thing even when no one is looking, valuing people's time, accountability, respect, fairness, honesty, compassion, and personal growth.
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