Her Story
About Monica
I have always wanted to give back to my community, but it was a particular incident when I was in college that truly shaped my path. My mom and two little sisters were held up in the back of their home by a young kid. I remember my baby sister talking about it, saying that he appeared to be just as scared as she was. Eventually, when he realized that she was a child, he ended up shooting the gun off in the air and running back out to a car that was waiting for him. Although many stories like that don't end where everyone ends up being okay, I was thankful that was their testimony and outcome, and that we didn't experience a loss. But I always wondered about that kid because he was a child. I always wondered what opportunities he lacked or were not available for him that he thought the best outcome for him in that moment was to rob someone that probably was only gonna get like $15 from. That's what inspired me to pursue law enforcement. Currently, I am the Deputy Chief over South Command Patrol with Fort Worth Police Department, and I have about 530 people under me. We oversee three different divisions: Downtown Division, East Patrol, and South Patrol divisions. It's really about community engagement and being strategic with how we do enforcement and prevention measures within our city to make sure that Fort Worth remains one of the top safest cities in our nation right now.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Monica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I believe in being a 360 learner. As a leader, I never get into a fixed mindset, so I'm always looking to grow, I'm always looking to learn, and that means being a 360 learner where I can learn and grow from anyone. I trust my voice and don't ask for permission to be myself. I just always strive for excellence. Right now, everything I'm doing in this moment is because I know my beautiful son is watching. I want him to see me striving for excellence so he continues to strive for excellence, and I don't want him to put any parameters around himself. He is my inspiration.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You have to trust your instinct, you have to trust your voice. Don't let people put parameters around you. Grow and develop. Don't be afraid to be who you are in this industry, or whatever industry you decide to go into. Go in for your purpose. Follow your passion, and follow it with heart. Follow it with love, and follow it with spirit. You can break and still shatter those glass ceilings. You just have to trust your voice, don't ask for permission to be yourself, just always strive for excellence.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are love, compassion, and dignity. These guide everything I do, both in my work with the Fort Worth Police Department and in my personal life. I believe in giving back to my community and providing opportunities for those who need them most, especially young people who might otherwise fall through the cracks. I want to make sure that everyone, especially the children aging out of foster care, gets a chance and is guided in the right direction.
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