News Release

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Suki Deen, University Relations Associate
31 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 295-1164
FAX (302) 295-1137
suki.r.deen@wilmu.edu

Wilmington University Hosts 4th Annual Women in Criminal Justice Leadership Seminar

April 4, 2008—New Castle, DE. Female police officers, state troopers, parole officers, court officials and more from Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland all converged at the 4th Annual Women in Criminal Justice Leadership Ceremony on Friday, April 4, 2008 at Wilmington University's New Castle campus. Over a hundred people were in attendance for the seminar, which is held every year to promote women's leadership in fields like the courts, law enforcement, and victim services. All attendees will receive a training certificate from the Division of Behavioral Science at Wilmington University upon completion of the daylong seminar.

The day commenced with a panel discussion by three female leaders in law enforcement: Theresa Thome, Inspector in Charge of the U. S. Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, Captain Lucy Lyles of the Maryland State Transportation Police and Captain Nancy Dietz of the Wilmington Police Department. The women shared their personal success stories as well as encouraged other to persevere as women in the tough world of law enforcement.

Next, Wilmington University President, Dr. Jack P. Varsalona welcomed honorable guest and keynote speaker, Governor Ruth Ann Minner. Dr. Varsalona praised Governor Minner for her continued support of education in the state of Delaware, as well as being an inspiration to female leaders everywhere. The audience listened as Governor Minner encouraged women in all areas of governmental service to challenge themselves and work hard for leadership opportunities. She cited the many accomplishments of women working in state, federal and government agencies including the Delaware Secretary of State, Dr. Harriet Smith Windsor amongst others, to show how there are many opportunities for women in all areas of government and dreams and goals are attainable with hard work and perseverance.

Three female leaders in the area of Victim Services: Director of the Delaware State Police Victim Centers; Victim/Witness Assistance Program Director, Office of the Attorney Delaware in the State of Delaware Mariann Kenville-Moore; and Terri Kaiser, a forensic interviewer from The Children's Advocacy Center of Delaware, all spoke about their experiences in the field of victim services as well as their roles as female leaders.

Finally, two women working in the court system took the stage to speak about their experiences: Ilana Eisenstein, Assistant U.S Attorney and Maria Knolls Delaware Deputy Attorney General, spoke about their judiciary experiences and how to pioneer in a male dominated workplace.

Melissa Zebley, Lieutenant in the Delaware State Police, Yvette Thomas, Supervisor in U.S Postal Inspection and Laura O'Sullivan, lieutenant for the New Castle County Police Department all helped organize and plan for this event as they have in years past. Their hard work and dedication helped to make this event a great success.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Behavioral Science and Criminal Justice at Wilmington University should visit: www.wilmu.edu/behavioralscience

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