Yashica Gladden, MBA
Yashica Gladden, MBA, is a dedicated public safety professional with over 20 years of experience spanning leadership roles in both hospitality management and law enforcement. She currently serves as a Sergeant with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, where she is responsible for overseeing daily operations, supporting staff performance, and ensuring a safe and controlled environment within the facility. Known for her strong leadership style, she emphasizes integrity, accountability, and clear communication as the foundation of effective teamwork.
Her professional journey did not begin in law enforcement but in restaurant management, where she developed early skills in leadership, operations, and people management. During her time in the hospitality industry, she also played a role in connecting professionals and supporting business development efforts that contributed to the growth and expansion of local restaurant operations across South Carolina and Georgia. Her transition into corrections was driven by curiosity and a desire to better understand the internal workings of the justice system. That perspective has shaped her approach today, allowing her to thoughtfully engage with both officers and incarcerated individuals while maintaining order, fairness, and respect.
In her current role, Yashica oversees staff interactions, monitors operational safety, and actively works to ensure the wellbeing of both officers and inmates. She prioritizes open communication, regularly checking in with officers to support their mental and emotional readiness, while also recognizing the importance of giving inmates a voice within the correctional environment. She addresses concerns as they arise, works to de-escalate conflicts, and reinforces a culture of professionalism and care. A defining aspect of her professional strength is her resilience—she continues to work demanding 12-hour shifts while managing multiple sclerosis, demonstrating unwavering commitment, discipline, and dedication to her role despite personal health challenges.
• South Carolina State University - BS, Marketing
• Webster University - MBA, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
• Marquis Who's Who in America 2020-2021
• Mother Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street
• Helping friends and families through financial crises
• Providing financial assistance
• Educational guidance
• Professional advice and support
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to getting up every morning despite my health challenges. I'm going through multiple sclerosis and still doing 12-hour shifts no matter what. My family and friends don't always know what I go through, but you can't tell by looking at me because I get up and move strong every day. I make sure to check in with both officers and inmates, always asking about their health and making sure they're in a good mind frame and headspace. I believe that everyone has a voice, even those who are incarcerated. Some people do care, and I recognize that anybody can be on the other side at any moment in time with one wrong move or one mistake. I address small problems and make sure everybody goes out the same way they came in.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't give up, keep pushing on, no matter what.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Trust is the main value that's most important to me. Having trust means that someone can come to you, and you can guarantee that you can assist or help in any way that you can. It's about giving somebody the correct information. If I can help in any way, and they trust me, I'm always going to help anytime someone comes to me. If I can't help them, I always lead them in the direction where someone can assist if I can't do it. I also believe in supporting others rather than putting myself first. I don't always put me first - I like to support whatever I can. In my personal life, I enjoy shopping and watching basketball and football games with my mom and sister. I also help friends and families when they're going through a financial crisis or need assistance, whether it's money-wise, educational-wise, or they're just having a hard time figuring out how to manage their professions and how to get through it and hold on.