I am a graduate student at Loyola University seeking to make a difference in the battle against human trafficking. Today, human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar business that shows no signs of slowing down. Unfortunately, not enough resources are allocated towards defeating this issue and I would like to see that change. As a young child, I always envisioned myself working in the Criminal Justice field, but I was unsure what path to take. During my undergraduate studies at Loyola, I began to mold my future and reflect on how I could make a difference in my community and possibly the world.

Prior to receiving my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Loyola University, I served in the United States Army at Fort Bragg. I graduated from Advanced Individual Training (AIT) with honors and worked as a Quartermaster and Chemical Repairer. After leaving the Army, I took six months’ off work to become a stay-at-home mother. My first federal government position was at the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) as a clerk. I was later promoted to a staff assistant working for the law department. Shortly after my promotion, I began my career at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) within Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS). I was an immigration management assistant for two years before I received the opportunity to assist special agents at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). In my personal life, I am a published author running a poetry blog that addresses daily sentiments and philosophical theories. In between managing full-time studies and work, I enjoy spending time with my son. He is currently in kindergarten and loves expressing himself artistically. My experiences as a young adult shaped who I am today and instilled the perseverance needed to achieve my dreams.

I aspire to become a special agent for HSI working in the Human Smuggling and Trafficking group. As a special agent, I will investigate crimes involving men, women, and children who have been forced or manipulated into slavery (e.g. sexual, labor). I am passionate about working in this group because I want to help victims of human trafficking seek justice and rehabilitation services. I also want to advocate for better treatment of victims and their families. No one deserves to be mistreated and abused; it’s time we make that clear through prioritizing the eradication of human trafficking. I currently work in the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF) at HSI, gaining hands on experience and training in investigative procedures. My work at HSI will serve as the foundation for my career as a special agent. To prepare for the intensive application process (e.g. polygraph, aptitude test), I train six days per week on weightlifting, cardio, and yoga. I also study French daily, to obtain proficiency in a second language. I will submit a special agent application upon completion of my graduate’s degree. Once the application process is favorably completed, I will receive training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). If I am not assigned to Human Smuggling and Trafficking for my first duty station, I will work diligently in my given group until I can request a transfer. I will undoubtedly encounter obstacles throughout this journey, but I am determined to fulfill my purpose in life.