The Criminal Justice Department sponsored the annual women in history by honoring 17 area women who joined 27 previous honorees after a six-year break. A group gathered in the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center Tuesday, April 1.
The origin of Women’s History dates back to 1978 in Santa Rosa, California. Dr. Joyce Montgomery Tims, organized a Women in History program for the Grambling State University Department of Criminal Justice in 2013 until 2019 for women who have contributed selflessly to their community and society.
“Due to Covid and the aftermath a hold was put on the celebration until this year,” said Dr. Tims.
The committee recognized distinguished women across the country as well as area ones. Chelsea Monae, News Director at KTVE/KARD, was honored, but also served as mistress of Ceremony. The speaker, Shirley Stewart, marketing director of the Monroe Regional Airport, was also honored.
Judge Tammy Lee is the first female to be sworn in as a judge in Monroe and Ouachita Parih in 2000. She had the distinct honor as serving as the first African American Law Clerk at the Fourth Judicial District Court and first female Monroe City Prosecutor. Lee is a graduate of Wossman High School, Grambling and Southern Law Center.
Yvette Mansfield Alexander serves as Division D Judge in Baton Rouge City Court. She earned her J.D. from Louisiana State University Law Center and a B.A. in political science from Grambling State University. She has made history as the first African American woman elected to the Baton Rouge City Court and first African American Chief Judge.
Cassandra D. Smith, a retired Ruston Behavior Center Social Worker, started her professional career in Princeton, N.J. as a food program specialist in 1974 with USDA. She relocated to Washington, D.C. in 1975 and worked with USDA until 1984. Cassandra returned home to Grambling and received a Master of Social Work degree from the university in 1998. After applying her skills and training at Swanson and RBHC, she retired in 2017.
Kris A. Barney is a dedicated Community Advocate and resiliency speaker specializing in domestic violence awareness. Her advocacy stems from personal experience, having survived domestic violence that tragically led to the loss of her daughter, Miranda. Kris actively shares her story nationwide to educate and inspire resiliency.
Shakita Hays is a dedicated advocate and community leader from Monroe, committed to supporting children, families and community involvement. She earned her associate’s degree from LA Delta Community College and has spent her career advocating for delinquent youth through her role in the juvenile justice system.
Cathy Holmes-Giles is a dedicated educator and community leader with over 45 years of teaching experience, currently serving as a 5th and 6th grade Reading Teacher at Washington Middle School in El Dorado, Arkansas. An accomplished educator, Cathy holds advanced degrees in Early Childhood and Guidance Counseling from Grambling State University.
Alicia D. Williams is a distinguished public servant over three decades of impactful experience in government and politics. A native of Grambling, Louisiana and a 1983 graduate of Grambling State University. She served as Senior Special Assistant to Governor John Bel Edwards.
Dr. Beatrice Tatem is the Executive Director of Wellness Initiatives, LLC., here she provides counseling services to cou9ples, families and individuals. She is an experienced therapist, administrator and advocate.
NaTashia Tellis-Maryland serves as Chief Probation Officer and Deputy Marshal for the Ruston City Court Probation Department, bringing 23 years of experience in law enforcement. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Louisiana and joined the probation department in 2024.
Lieutenant Sarah Williams dedicated her professional life to public safety, serving nearly three decades with the Grambling State University Police Department, including roles as dispatcher and a police officer, retiring in 2017. Committed to continuous growth, she holds multiple degrees and certifications from Grambling State University.
Mary Bobb-Singleton has dedicated her career to public service, notably with the Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons, where she earned “Employee of the Year” honors twice. Her extensive correctional Career spanned multiple roles, including oversight positions in Washington, D.C., before retiring.
Emma Williams dedicated her career to serving and protecting the elderly community in Lincoln Parish of Louisiana. Following her retirement from Louisiana Tech University, she volunteered and later become a Certified Elderly Service Officer/Investigator with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office from 2005 to 2020.
Corporal Harriet Sykes is a retired law enforcement professional with extensive service in the Grambling and Ruston Police Departments. A Grambling State University graduate with a degree in criminal justice, Harriet began her career as a dispatcher and reserve officer before becoming a police officer in 1996.
Jacqueline Scott is an accomplished attorney admitted to practice in Louisiana in 1989, with extensive experience across various legal fields including entertainment law, personal injury, criminal defense and succession. She has served as president of the Black Lawyer Association and holds leadership roles in several community organizations.
Honored posthumously was Clio Thalia Faye Brown Williams (1949-2009) who was a pioneer in desegregation and law enforcement in Ruston, Louisiana. In 1967, she became one of the first African Americans to integrate Ruston High School.