News  MPS Employee graduates from APPA Leadership Institute

Shawnta Reid, Pretrial Services Operations Coordinator, recently graduated from the Leadership Institute of the American Probation and Parole Association held in Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Reid designed a project to build community trust and enhance client services.

Ms. Reid participated in a 12-month professional development experience to prepare the next generation of leaders in community corrections. The curriculum, according to Ms. Reid, addressed systems thinking, self-assessment, evidence-based leadership, advancing diversity, and strategic implementation. At the end of the program, each participant presented a project that contributes to the improvement of their agency, including input and guidance from agency leadership. Ms. Reid said her project, "Connected Community, Successful Transitions," is designed to provide "a more centralized way of notifying the field of upcoming community engagement events while providing trainings, building partnerships, and improving social media presence."

"The project will strengthen community connections with partners and support probation clients by having meaningful involvement in community activities. By amplifying our presence in the community, MPS can build trust, reduce recidivism, and foster safer communities," said Ms. Reid.

Dr. Carmen Gomez, Deputy Commissioner-Pretrial Services, commended Ms. Reid for her efforts and vision.

"We in Pretrial Services are very proud of Ms. Reid's achievement, and we look forward to the implementation of this important project. It will help us expand our outreach and inform the public of our resources, which include housing, transportation, food, shoes and clothing, MassHealth enrollment, cell phone distribution, and more," said Dr. Gomez.