Her Story
About Jasmine
I've been working in the corrections field for about 6-7 years, and I currently serve as the Office Grievance Coordinator, a position I've held for just over a year now. In my role, I handle all the grievances throughout the facility - if there are any complaints with any residents, I handle it there and then disperse it out to who needs to be answered. My journey to corrections started after 8 years as a CNA. I wanted a career change, so I spoke to a recruiter and joined the military service as a military police officer, where I served for three and a half to four years and really succeeded in that role. After the military, I moved on to the Federal Bureau of Prisons and did that for about 8-9 months, but I hated it because of the overtime and everything like that. That's when I transitioned into the administrative side of corrections where I am today. I'm passionate about helping individuals in custody stay out of the system by ensuring they have enough programs to succeed once they get out and rejoin regular society.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jasmine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my children. I have three kids - they're 15, 13, and 12 - and they've been with me for the long haul. They're my motivation and the reason I keep pushing forward in my career and education.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was to stay out the way. Especially in corrections, you know, you don't want to really be involved in certain things. It's about keeping your head down, staying focused on your work, and not getting caught up in unnecessary drama or situations. That advice has served me well throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field would be to just keep your head on straight. Stay focused, maintain your integrity, and don't get distracted by the challenges that come with working in corrections. It's important to stay professional and grounded in what you're doing.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is the recidivism rate. It's all about helping individuals in custody stay out of the system. We need to ensure that they have enough programs to make sure that they stay out of the system, and once they get out, they succeed in being with regular society. That's where the real opportunity lies - in creating pathways for people to successfully reintegrate and not come back into the corrections system.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work, I believe everyone should have resilience and integrity. Those are the core values that guide how I approach my responsibilities and interact with others professionally. In my personal life, I believe that faith in God overcomes all. My faith is the foundation that keeps me grounded and helps me navigate both the challenges and successes in my life.
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