NAWLEE History

Founded to support, develop, and advance women leaders in law enforcement, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) has grown into a nationally recognized organization dedicated to leadership excellence, professional development, and innovation in public safety. From its early beginnings as a network for peer support and mentorship, NAWLEE has expanded its impact through training, research, national initiatives, and strategic partnerships with leading law enforcement and federal agencies. Over the years, NAWLEE has remained committed to strengthening leadership across all ranks, fostering collaboration, and shaping the future of policing through evidence-based practices and inclusive leadership.

Timeline

A Legacy of Leadership, Growth, and Impact

Formation

The National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) was formed by a small group of women holding senior management ranks in police agencies throughout the United States. These pioneering women represented a variety of law enforcement agencies, including federal, state, county, municipal, campus, and railroad police departments.

Incorporation

NAWLEE was incorporated as a nonprofit organization with an initial membership of approximately 150 women law enforcement executives.

First Conference

At its inaugural conference, Alana Ennis, then Chief of the Duke University Police Department in Durham, North Carolina, and a founding member of the organization, was elected as NAWLEE's first President.

Gallup Study

NAWLEE joined with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) to support a groundbreaking study conducted by the Gallup Organization. The survey of 800 police chiefs explored attitudes and actions toward women in policing, revealing that most departments recognized the need for more female officers to better represent community demographics, though few had specific recruitment strategies targeting women.

Historic IACP Leadership

Mary Ann Viverette, Chief of Police in Gaithersburg, Maryland and a founding member of NAWLEE, was elected sixth Vice President of the IACP, becoming the first woman vice president in the IACP's history. Under IACP policy, she was positioned to become President in 2006.

Census and Survey

NAWLEE and the IACP provided financial and logistical support for a comprehensive census of women police chiefs and a survey of women chiefs, sheriffs, and chief special agents of federal and state agencies to better understand the career paths of women law enforcement executives.

Milestone Achievement

During her term as NAWLEE president, Theresa Chambers became the first female Chief of the U.S. National Park Police and the first chief selected from outside the National Park Service. She had previously served as Chief of the Durham City (North Carolina) Police Department.