AWEC President Pelicia Hall and the Executive Committee are pleased to announce the 2025 Legacy Award is presented to Laurel Harry. AWEC annually presents the Legacy Award to an outstanding professional who has supported the development and contributions of senior and executive women in corrections. Throughout her distinguished career in
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2025 Susan Hunter Award Winner
AWEC President Pelicia Hall and the Executive Committee are pleased to announce Hope Cooper as the 2025 Susan M. Hunter award recipient. Susan M. Hunter devised this award to recognize women who mentor, promote, and develop women in the corrections field. Hope Cooper joined The Moss Group as a Project
Williams Elected President of the Association of Women Executives in Corrections
Dr. Wendy Williams Elected President of the Association of Women Executives in Corrections The Association of Women Executives in Corrections (AWEC) is pleased to announce the election of Dr. Wendy Williams to the position of President of the Association. Dr. Williams was sworn in September 28, 2025, and will serve
2023 Susan Hunter Award Winner: Patricia Caruso
2023 Susan Hunter Award Winner: Patricia Caruso AWEC President Leann Bertsch and the Executive Committee are pleased to announce Patricia Caruso as the 2023 Susan M. Hunter award recipient. Susan M. Hunter devised this award to recognize women who mentor, promote, and develop women in the corrections field. Pat
2023 Legacy Award Winner: Kathleen Kenney
2023 Legacy Award Winner: Kathleen Kenney AWEC President Leann Bertsch and the Executive Committee are pleased to announce that the 2023 Legacy Award is presented to Kathleen Kenney. AWEC annually presents the Legacy Award to an outstanding professional who has supported the development and contributions of senior and executive
AWEC MEMBERS PROMOTED!
AWEC MEMBERS PROMOTED: AWEC is proud to announce the promotions of two of our members. Dr. Laurel Harry has been named the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Dept. Of Corrections. Congratulations Laurel. Maria Peterson Shirley has been promoted to Assistant Deputy Executive Director of the Utah Dept. Of Corrections.
From the Wellness Committee:
Vulnerability expert Brene Brown talks about the relationship between joy and gratitude and offers a few tips on how to cultivate more joy in your own life. Want to learn more about positive emotions? Take our Thoughts & Emotions Assessment at http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/wellbeing/health/thoughts-emotions. https://binged.it/2A7BkPp
AWEC’s 28th Annual Membership Training Institute
THE 28TH ANNUAL TRAINING INSTITUTE IS BEING DETERMINED. CHECK BACK!! Please call Francine Perretta for any questions at 315-854-0200 or email info@awec.us
Become a CEO: A National Voice Mentoring Opportunity
The AWEC National Voice Committee is offering to assist members who are considering the pursuit of CEO positions, in keeping with our mission, vision and values. Every state has adult corrections agencies and juvenile justice systems. Currently throughout the U.S., only eight women serve as heads of adult prison systems
2026 WWICJJ Conference
The 2026 Women Working in Corrections and Juvenile Justice national conference is yet to be determined. If your state is interested in sponsoring this training in 2026, please contact AWEC who can put you in touch with the Oregon DOC who hosted 2023. More information will be forthcoming.