Josephine A. Gazzola Empowering, Mentoring and Supporting Women in Law Enforcement – Stronger Together
On Friday, January 17, 2020 – 150 female Police Officers from all over Massachusetts came to Regis College in Weston for the third conference hosted by Natick Lt. Cara Rossi, Framingham Lt. Patricia Grigas, and Weston Detective Kellie Connarton.
The keynote speaker, Middlesex District Attorney – Marian Ryan - spoke of her personal journey and her professional accomplishments. Chief Mary Butler of the Salem, MA Police Department gave a powerful and moving speech that left everyone speechless. Chief Butler’s story of resilience and perseverance is embedded in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate enough to have heard her story. The Chiefs panel was made up of 5 out of the 11 female Police Chiefs in Massachusetts. There was a lively question and answer session that lasted over an hour. The Chiefs shared their professional journeys and accomplishments and imparted a lot of wisdom to the officers in attendance. Their impact will be felt for quite some time. Judge Jennifer Stark was also a guest speaker and was inspirational, gave great advice about the courtroom, but more importantly – spoke from the heart.
We are so fortunate and grateful the Gazzola family, in memory of Josephine A. Gazzola, who at Josephine's request to give back to officers who helped her, gifted the money necessary to make these conferences happen.