Her Story
About Rebecca
Rebecca Martinez Johnson is a bilingual victim advocate and investigator with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, serving victims and supporting criminal investigations in Raleigh, North Carolina. With nearly a decade of experience in the criminal justice field, she has built a career dedicated to public service, advocacy, and protecting vulnerable individuals. Before assuming her current role, Rebecca served as a correctional case manager within a medium-custody correctional facility and previously worked with the DMV License & Theft Bureau. Her diverse background in corrections, investigations, and victim services has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system and strengthened her commitment to being a voice for those who often go unheard.
Rebecca's dedication to service extends beyond her civilian career. She proudly served in the United States military as one of the Lionesses—one of the first four women officially documented conducting ground combat missions in support of military operations. The groundbreaking work of the Lionesses received national recognition through features in Army Times and Marine Times and was highlighted in the acclaimed documentary Lioness, which was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Community and Human Services from SUNY Empire State College and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration from American Military University, further strengthening her expertise in leadership, investigations, and victim advocacy.
Throughout her career, Rebecca has remained committed to professional development and mentorship through her involvement with organizations including the State Employees Association of North Carolina, DPS Connect, the Correctional Associations of North Carolina, and the Women Working on Criminal Justice Committee. Guided by her unwavering faith, Rebecca believes in keeping God first, valuing family, and serving others with integrity and compassion. Whether advocating for crime victims, mentoring fellow professionals, or encouraging the next generation of women in criminal justice, she continues to lead with courage, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to justice.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rebecca
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith and my commitment to keeping God at the center of my life. My beliefs have given me strength, purpose, and resilience as I have pursued a career in criminal justice and navigated the challenges along the way.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I've received is to prioritize my education and keep building my knowledge. Continuing to learn and invest in my professional development has been essential to advancing my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be confident, stay resilient, and don't lose sight of your goals. There will be challenges, but perseverance and faith can help you overcome them. Keep moving forward, believe in yourself, and trust the path you're on.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is that criminal justice continues to be a predominantly male-driven field, where professional relationships and networking can significantly influence opportunities. Despite these challenges, there are increasing opportunities for women to lead, advocate for change, and make meaningful contributions within the profession.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are keeping God first, maintaining a strong faith, prioritizing my family, and serving as a voice for those who may not have one. These principles shape both my personal life and my commitment to making a positive impact through my work.
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