Back in July of 2023 I started a new job with the Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS). My role as the Community Coordinator with the Reentry Services Division gives me the opportunity to network and develop strategic relationships designed to build capacity and help individuals returning to the community post-incarceration succeed in their reentry process. After my stressful tenure with my former empoyer, it was a welcome change to find a culture that valued work life balance and a supervisor that encouraged and supported my efforts. I hit the ground running and immediately set about immersing myself into my new role and learning the dynamics of the Savannah Georgia community. In my first 90 days I held a successful resource fair and met with over 60 community stakeholders including the mayor of Savannah. I also had to find a way to work with a circuit chief that was indifferent to my presence as reentry services operates separately from the Community Supervision side of the Department (these are the officers that oversee the parole process. My immediate supervisor was promoted to a new position in October and I was somewhat nervous about what this would mean going forward. To my surprise, I was encouraged to apply for her former role (Sr. Lead Community Coordinator). A special exception was made by upper management to allow me to apply since I had only been with the agency 4 months! I was interviewed right before Thanksgiving and was one of 2 finalists brought back for a second interview with the division Director. I wasn’t selected, but I was honored to be a contentor and it garnered a lot of attention in the agency. I also earned the respect of my Circuit Chief and he has become my biggest supporter so much so that my work has come to the attention of the Commissioner of the Department! My new supervisor was ideal in that she took the cue from her predecessor and let me do my thing. Fast forward to February 2024 and 2 more successful events as well as the innovation of an internal newsletter intended to showcase my work, another Sr. Lead Opportunity Presented itself. I applied and interviewed on March 7th. I was notified on March 11th that I was selected for the promotion and new role! As of April 1, I will now be joining the ranks of DCS Reentry Services management. I will supervise a team of 3 Community Coordinators and 2 Assistant Community Coordinators. I know that this role is going to be challenging as it is going to require more travel and I am going to have to make sure I continue to devote time to my Circuit. My old supervisor advised me that I will officially hold the record as the fastest internal promotion on record! While that be good for my ego, I know that for whom much is given, much is also expected. I very honored to have proven myself worthy of such distinction. So life hasn’t been solely focused on building a house in Savannh! There has also been a focus on career and what may very well be the twighlight of my professional life.