NAWLEE 2026 Leadership Scholarships
Investing in Future Leaders of Law Enforcement
At NAWLEE, we are committed to empowering women and allies in law enforcement by removing financial barriers to professional development. Our 2026 Leadership Scholarships provide access to transformative education, leadership experiences, and national networking opportunities that advance careers, strengthen communities, and support the next generation of public safety leaders.
Motorola Solutions / Woman Law Enforcement Executive of the Year (WoLEEY)
The Women Law Enforcement Executive of the Year (WoLEEY) Award is for a sworn member of an agency that has demonstrated outstanding leadership.
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Sponsored by Motorola Corporation, it is the most prestigious award offered by the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives. It will be awarded to someone who has exhibited sustained extraordinary accomplishments throughout her career.
Selection Criteria:
The Woman Law Enforcement Executive of the Year is a professional recognition of someone who has exhibited sustained extraordinary, professional accomplishments. The nominations are assessed using the following criteria:
1. Impact on improving women’s career paths and advancement in the policing profession.
2. Personal leadership and achievements.
3. Innovation and creativity in leading change and people.
4. Special achievements, and/or contributions to improving the quality in the policing profession.
5. Special achievements, and/or contributions to improving the community through engagement and building trust.
6. Demonstrated support of NAWLEE Association goals through leadership, mentoring, advocating, and advising.
7. Reputation in the field.
When submitting your nomination, please consider how your nominee has accomplished the following:
• Leading Change: Shows creativity, initiative, flexibility, and innovation to produce results that are important to the service community. Indicate unusual vision in leading organizations or projects that have been successful.
• Leading People: Demonstrates success in building and maintaining a Law Enforcement / Police work force that is diverse, well trained, highly motivated, and productive. Indicate how the nominee managed the capabilities of employees and other people to build a shared vision, aligned support for the vision, and motivated and encouraged people to work together to achieve significant results.
• Results Driven: Exceptional record of achieving important program or organizational results. Indicate measurable, observable, special achievements and/or contributions to improving the quality of Law Enforcement.
• Building Trust and Engaging the Community: Exhibited an unusual level of cooperation and effort with others, whether within the organization, community, or other agencies.
Diane Skoog Honorary Scholarship
The Diane Skoog Honorary Scholarship will be awarded to a woman currently serving in an Executive Level (Lieutenant or/and above). Diane Skoog is the former Executive Director of NAWLEE who devoted 17 years to our organization. Diane is also the former Chief from Carver, MA, where she served for 25 years. Up to $1,200.00 to apply to travel and hotel. If attendee registers for the entire conference, registration will be reimbursed.
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In the true spirit of NAWLEE and the example set by past Executive Director Diane Skoog, this leader embodies professionalism, collaboration, and courage. Their work has strengthened organizational culture, expanded pathways for women in law enforcement, and advanced the profession in ways that will be felt for generations to come. This nomination honors not only what they have accomplished, but the countless lives and careers they have positively transformed along the way. Up to $1,200.00 to apply to travel and hotel. If attendee registers for the entire conference, registration will be reimbursed.
Selection Criteria:
1. Advocacy for Women in Law Enforcement:
Proven commitment to recruiting, retaining, mentoring, or elevating women in policing.
2. Leadership and Influence:
Evidence of strong leadership, including innovation, integrity, and the ability to inspire others.
3. Legacy of Service:
Sustained contributions that have had a measurable or lasting impact at the agency, community, or national level.
4. Embodiment of NAWLEE Values:
Demonstrates professionalism, courage, collaboration, and a dedication to empowering others, reflecting the example set by Diane Skoog.
5. Community or Agency Impact:
Work that has improved organizational culture, created opportunities for others, or advanced the profession.
Application Requirements:
• Completed application form.
• Essay of 300-400 words addressing leadership, advocacy and legacy of service.
NAWLEE’s Past President Scholarship
NAWLEE’s Past Presidents are pleased to continue the Past Presidents Award established in 2015. The Past Presidents Scholarship gives back to our profession to encourage new and potential members to attend a NAWLEE conference. Applicants must be an active sworn or professional department member of a federal, state, county, municipal, campus, or railroad law enforcement agency and must currently have a role where they are supervising first-line supervisors or above (rank must be lieutenant or above). Up to $1,200.00 to apply to travel and hotel. If attendee registers for the entire conference, registration will be reimbursed.
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NAWLEE’s Past Presidents are pleased to continue the Past Presidents Award established in 2015. The Past Presidents Scholarship gives back to our profession to encourage new and potential members to attend a NAWLEE conference. Applicants must be an active sworn or professional department member of a federal, state, county, municipal, tribal, hospital, campus, or railroad law enforcement agency and must currently have a role where they are supervising first-line supervisors or above (rank must be lieutenant or equivalent). Up to $1,200.00 to apply to travel and hotel. If attendee registers for the entire conference, registration will be reimbursed.
Selection Criteria:
1. Advocacy for Women in Law Enforcement:
Proven commitment to recruiting, retaining, mentoring, or elevating women in policing.
2. Leadership and Influence:
Evidence of strong leadership, including innovation, integrity, and the ability to inspire others.
3. Legacy of Service:
Sustained contributions that have had a measurable or lasting impact at the agency, community, or national level.
4. Embodiment of NAWLEE Values:
Demonstrates professionalism, courage, collaboration, and a dedication to empowering others, reflecting the example set by Diane Skoog.
5. Community or Agency Impact:
Work that has improved organizational culture, created opportunities for others, or advanced the profession.
Application Requirements:
• Completed application form.
•Essay of 300-400 words addressing leadership, advocacy and legacy of service.
NAWLEE Future Leaders Scholarship
The Future Leaders Scholarship is designed for aspiring leaders. Applicants must be an active member of a federal, state, county, municipal, campus, or railroad law enforcement agency and hold a rank below lieutenant or non-sworn civilian equivalent. Up to $1,200.00 to apply to travel and hotel. If attendee registers for the entire conference, registration will be reimbursed.
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The Future Leaders Scholarship recognizes aspiring leaders in law enforcement who demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, leadership development, and service to their agencies and communities.
Eligibility Requirements - Applicants must meet all the following criteria:
Active Employment:
Must be an active member of a federal, state, county, municipal, tribal, hospital, campus, or railroad law enforcement agency.
Rank Requirement:
Must hold a rank below lieutenant, or the civilian equivalent within their agency.
Membership:
Must be a current NAWLEE member with current dues paid.
Experience Level:
Minimum of one year of full-time service with their current agency.
Selection Criteria - Applications will be evaluated on the following:
1. Leadership Potential:
Demonstrated initiative, professionalism, teamwork, and emerging leadership qualities within their role.
2. Commitment to the Profession:
Evidence of dedication to public safety, community engagement, and ethical policing.
3. Professional Development Goals:
Clear articulation of how the scholarship will support their career growth and leadership journey.
4. Agency or Community Impact:
Examples of contributions, projects, or efforts that have positively influenced their agency or community.
Application Requirements - Applicants must submit:
• Completed application form.
• Personal statement (500–750 words) addressing leadership aspirations and developmental goals.
• Award Expectations
• Recipients are encouraged to:
• Attend the NAWLEE Annual Conference.
• Share their leadership journey and experience in an upcoming NAWLEE connect article.
• Participate in future NAWLEE mentorship, panels, or initiatives highlighting leadership and advocacy.
Professional Staff Executive of the Year
The Professional Staff Executive of the Year is for a non-sworn civilian department member who is an executive-level member of NAWLEE and supports NAWLEE’s mission to Lead – Inspire – Mentor.
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This award recognizes an executive-level professional staff member who demonstrates exceptional professionalism and leadership in support of NAWLEE’s mission to Lead, Inspire, and Mentor. Nominees should exemplify outstanding executive-level contributions, advance organizational excellence, foster mentorship and collaboration, and positively impact their agency and the broader NAWLEE community.
Selection Criteria:
1. Advocacy for Women in Law Enforcement:
Proven commitment to recruiting, retaining, mentoring, or elevating women in policing.
2. Leadership and Influence:
Evidence of strong leadership, including innovation, integrity, and the ability to inspire others.
3. Legacy of Service:
Sustained contributions that have had a measurable or lasting impact at the agency, community, or national level.
4. Embodiment of NAWLEE Values:
Demonstrates professionalism, courage, collaboration, and a dedication to empowering others.
5. Community or Agency Impact:
Work that has improved organizational culture, created opportunities for others, or advanced the profession.
Application Requirements:
• Completed application form.
• Essay of 300-400 words addressing leadership, advocacy and legacy of service.
Professional Associate Staff of the Year
The Professional Staff Associate of the Year is for a non-sworn civilian department member who is an associate-level member of NAWLEE and supports NAWLEE’s mission to Lead – Inspire – Mentor.
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This award honors an associate-level professional staff member who exemplifies exceptional dedication and service in support of NAWLEE’s mission to Lead, Inspire, and Mentor. Nominees should demonstrate professionalism, a commitment to advancing organizational excellence, and meaningful contributions that positively impact their agency and the NAWLEE community.
Selection Criteria:
1. Advocacy for Women in Law Enforcement:
Proven commitment to recruiting, retaining, mentoring, or elevating women in policing.
2. Leadership and Influence:
Evidence of strong leadership, including innovation, integrity, and the ability to inspire others.
4. Embodiment of NAWLEE Values:
Demonstrates professionalism, courage, collaboration, and a dedication to empowering others.
5. Community or Agency Impact:
Work that has improved organizational culture, created opportunities for others, or advanced the profession.
Application Requirements:
• Completed application form.
• Essay of 300-400 words addressing leadership, advocacy and legacy of service.
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