Reflecting on the leaders who have influenced my life, I am reminded of Chief John I. Sterling, a mentor whose impact on my personal and professional growth is undeniable. Our paths first crossed at the Santa Maria Police Department during the late 1990s and early 2000s, where I had the privilege of working as his temporary secretary before securing the role of police training coordinator. Later, our professional relationship continued at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where, as the Associate Director, I had the opportunity to hire him as a faculty member. Working with Chief Sterling across these different capacities was a transformative experience that shaped my approach to leadership, empathy, and lifelong learning, all of which I carry into my work today.

When I was promoted to the role of Police Training Coordinator, it was a position that had mostly and traditionally been filled by a male sworn officer. My appointment was met with some concern within the department, but Chief Sterling championed me from the start. He believed in my skills and capabilities and made it clear that I was the right person for the job. His confidence in me allowed me to thrive, and I was determined to prove that his faith was well-placed. Because of his unwavering support, I excelled in the position and was honored to receive the Support Employee of the Year award.

Chief Sterling's leadership style was rooted in genuine care for the people around him. As a single mother at the time, I was navigating challenges in my personal life. Chief Sterling was not only aware of these struggles but often counseled me out of unhelpful relationships and took time to listen to my concerns. His ability to listen, not just hear, was a testament to his understanding that leadership is not merely about authority but about being present for others. This approach inspired me to adopt a similar mindset in my own work: to not only lead with knowledge and skill but also with compassion and attentiveness to the individual needs of those I serve.

One of the most profound lessons I learned from Chief Sterling was the importance of communication and connection. He specifically learned Spanish to be able to communicate effectively with community members, believing it was crucial for all his officers to learn the language to better serve the diverse population. His efforts to speak Spanish were a testament to his commitment to bridging gaps and building trust, even though he wasn’t fluent. His dedication to improving communication led to some interesting discussions between us, particularly when he proposed an eight-week fully immersive Spanish language program where officers would have no contact with the outside world—not even their families. I argued that such an approach would not fly, believing it was too extreme. Still, we both passionately supported enhancing the department's capabilities. We scoured the region for a place to house both his envisioned "Training Mecca," a regional training center, and the Spanish language immersion course. Unfortunately, due to limited funds and a lack of support, his vision could not be fully realized. However, his commitment to breaking down language barriers and fostering stronger community relationships left a lasting impression on me. He always looked at the big picture—a skill I didn’t fully appreciate until my work in grant writing, where seeing the broader context and aligning individual goals with larger objectives is essential. His ability to see how all the pieces fit together is something I strive to emulate in my approach to grant writing, where understanding both the details and the overarching mission is critical to success.

However, it was one of Chief Sterling’s speeches that truly altered the course of my life. Speaking to the participants of the Citizens’ Academy one evening, he used a powerful analogy about crime prevention. He likened crime to a leaky faucet, explaining that to address the problem effectively, one must trace the pipe back to its source and fix the root cause. For him, this meant helping children before they became involved in criminal activities. This analogy struck a deep chord with me. The very next day, I enrolled in college to pursue a master’s degree in Education. His words were a catalyst for my commitment to creating change from the ground up, focusing on education as a tool for empowerment and prevention.

Today, as I navigate my own career and business ventures, I continually draw on the lessons I learned from Chief Sterling. His example taught me that being a leader means being invested in the well-being of others, understanding the power of effective communication, and always striving to address challenges at their core. These principles guide my work in grant management and project coordination, where I strive to be not just a consultant, but a true partner to those I serve.

I like to think Chief Sterling would be proud of me today—for becoming a business owner and continuing to help others through my work. During a particularly tense period when he was embroiled in conflict with city leaders over his management style, the city management tried recruiting me to be part of a weird plan to oust him. I declined, standing by my integrity and loyalty to Chief Sterling. It was then that he told me I was the most ethical person he knew—a compliment that has stayed with me throughout my life. I hope he knows just how much he mattered and how his mentorship helped shape the values and direction of my career. Chief John I. Sterling’s leadership was a blend of empathy, action, and foresight. His influence on my life is lasting and profound, not just in the decisions I've made but in the person I've become. As I continue to grow and lead, I do so with the same integrity, care, and dedication that he modeled so well. I am forever grateful for his mentorship and the lasting impact it has had on my journey.