Her Story
About Kristen
Kristen Ross, Esq. is a distinguished criminal justice professional, attorney, and educator with extensive experience in prosecution, legal advocacy, and criminal justice training. She began her legal career after earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating cum laude, and her Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law, also graduating cum laude. Following a judicial clerkship with a circuit court judge, Ross joined the State’s Attorney’s Office, where she built a successful 13-year prosecutorial career handling complex criminal matters, including cases involving murder, rape, robbery, and human trafficking. Throughout her time as a prosecutor, Ross demonstrated a strong commitment to justice, victim advocacy, and holding offenders accountable. She was instrumental in a landmark 2016 human trafficking case that resulted in the largest sentence in Maryland history for a human trafficking offense at the time. Her dedication to combating human trafficking earned her a Governor’s Citation, along with recognition from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security for her significant contributions to these critical cases. After her prosecutorial service, Ross expanded her legal experience through private practice, focusing on criminal law, domestic matters, and consumer protection before transitioning into higher education. Ross currently serves as an Instructor of Criminal Justice at Wor-Wic Community College and the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy, where she provides students with practical, scenario-based instruction grounded in real-world legal experience. As the first full-time female faculty member in the college’s criminal justice department, she teaches courses in criminal law, constitutional law, evidence and procedure, and juvenile delinquency, and report writing, while also training future law enforcement professionals. A member of the Maryland Bar Association and a certified instructor through the Maryland Police Training Commission, Ross was honored as Instructor of the Year in 2024. She attributes her success to the resilience, persistence, and strong values instilled by her parents, and she continues to lead with integrity, honesty, and a commitment to serving both her students and the community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the values and foundation instilled in me by my parents. They taught me the importance of resilience, persistence, and having the confidence to pursue my goals without fear. Their unwavering support and belief in my abilities shaped my mindset and encouraged me to embrace challenges, remain determined, and trust that with dedication and hard work, I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to use my voice with confidence and purpose. I have learned that while it is important to be thoughtful about choosing the right moments to engage, it is equally important to know when to speak up and advocate for my perspective. I believe in the value of sharing my ideas, standing firm in my convictions, and never being afraid to contribute my voice, especially when it can make a meaningful impact.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering the criminal justice field is to understand your purpose and hold onto the reason you chose this path. You belong in the spaces you work hard to reach, so do not be afraid to take a seat at tables where you may feel you do not yet belong. Embrace opportunities that challenge you, step outside of your comfort zone, and continually push yourself to grow both personally and professionally. Confidence, perseverance, and a willingness to learn are essential to building a successful and impactful career.
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 integrity and honesty. Working in a profession where decisions can have a profound impact on people’s lives, including matters involving an individual’s freedom, requires a strong moral foundation and a commitment to doing what is right. I believe every decision must be guided by fairness, accountability, and honesty, especially when serving people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. These values shape the way I approach my work, my relationships, and my commitment to making a positive difference.
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