Her Story
About Yaminah
Yaminah Holt is Major and Adjutant to the Sheriff at the Cobb Sheriff's Office in Marietta, Georgia. With 25 years at the sheriff's office following five years as a warrant clerk, she brings extensive experience in law enforcement with a focus on corrections. Holt earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a specialization in business management from St. Leo University in 2018 and her master's degree in criminal justice with a specialization in corrections from the same university in 2024. She has received the Chief's Award in 2023, the Bridge Builder Award from the Omega Psi Phi fraternity in 2024, and the King's Hoot Award. Holt maintains active memberships in NAWLI, the National Association of Women in Law Enforcement Executives, Noble, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Pi Gamma Mu, and serves as Cobb Excel alumni president, on the Cobb Adult Education Advisory Board, and as chair of the awards committee for the sheriff's office. In her role, she oversees community connections and develops programs to support detainees, including establishing an on-site GED testing site through Pearson VUE and partnerships that have enabled 95 detainees to earn their GED since 2022, along with construction certifications. She values authenticity, intentionality, and accountability, and advises young women entering the field to avoid self-doubt, recognize lessons in every experience, and accept that perfection is not required.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Yaminah
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I was told to look at the supervisors and leaders that I have and not only pick out the good traits but also pick out those things that you do not like and keep them in your tool belt. So as I move through the ranks I identify what I want to be or how I want to be a good leader and stay away from the things that I don't want to be. It taught me that you can't only look at the good, you also can learn from the bad or the less favorable things.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't ever doubt yourself. Know that there's a lesson to be learned. And that you are not perfect.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Maybe maneuvering through the culture, cultural shift. Not only here at our agency but also in the world. And trying to find the balance between the two. You can't go so far left that you're a people pleaser. You can't go so far right to where you're just strict and by the book. You have to meet people where they are, show some empathy but also set some boundaries.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being authentic. Being intentional. And accountability.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.