PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania – In a shocking turn of events, four women leaders in law enforcement in Philadelphia gathered to discuss their careers and mentorship in the city.
Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams, City of Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, City of Philadelphia Controller Rebecca Rhynhart, and City of Philadelphia Solicitor Diana Cortes attended a virtual panel discussion for Girls Inc. program participants.
The women leader panelists shared their personal and professional backgrounds, typical duties of their current jobs, mentors and inspiration, professional challenges and rewarding moments, and even misconceptions about women in the field.
“Representation matters; seeing and engaging directly with women role models matters,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Williams. “Girls in middle school and high school are laying the groundwork for their futures. I enthusiastically participated in this event because, as a mother of four students, I know how important it is for youth to see diverse examples of people pursuing different careers and interests, especially people serving in leadership roles.”
“Blazing a new path can be challenging but is not impossible,” said Police Commissioner Outlaw. “It is important that young women know that what traditionally has been seen as weaknesses in us are, in fact, strengths. Women have long deserved many seats at the table due to our skill sets, lived experiences, perspectives and qualifications. It is crucial we develop our young women early to prepare them to not only take their seats at the table or to recognize when a seat at the table is not enough , but to ensure they are equipped to address any inequities or other challenges they may experience as they blaze trails for others behind them.”
“I’m thrilled to participate in this event with Girls, Inc. to encourage today’s young women – the leaders of tomorrow – to consider fields long-believed to be ‘men’s work,’ like government, law enforcement or STEM,” said Controller Rhynhart. “I am the first woman to be elected City Controller and while women are in positions of power across the city, Philadelphia has never had a woman mayor. Pennsylvania has never had a woman senator or governor. Girls need to know that they can, and should, hold positions of power, no matter the field, whether in the public or private sector. Events like this give girls the opportunity to see women creating change and leading, opening their minds to endless possibilities.”
No charges were filed against the women leaders, but their message of empowerment and mentorship will be remembered by the 60 girls who attended the virtual panel discussion.
“This program was a great opportunity to share with tomorrow’s women leaders the importance of public service work and how the City of Philadelphia Law Department plays a role in our community by defending the work of our City Council, our affirmative litigation program, or,” said Solicitor Cortes.
The event marks a moment when, for the first time in Philadelphia history, four major law enforcement agencies – the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of PA, the Philadelphia Police Department, the City Controller’s Office and the City’s Law Department – are being led by women, two by women of color.
Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey, in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, hosted the virtual panel discussion.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is located at 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
The City of Philadelphia Police Department is located at 601 Fairmount Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130.
The City Controller’s Office is located at 1400 JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
The City of Philadelphia Law Department is located at 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
Defendant/Respondent: Jennifer Arbittier Williams, Danielle Outlaw, Rebecca Rhynhart, Diana Cortes.
Criminal Charges: No charges were filed.
City and State: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Exact Date: March 20, 2024.
Sentence or Outcome: No charges were filed.
Dollar Amounts: N/A.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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