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Portrait of Lupe Valdez, Sheriff, Dallas County
Lupe Valdez was elected Sheriff of Dallas County, Texas on November 4, 2004. She took the rank of the highest ranking law enforcement officer in the County of Dallas on January 1, 2005. Sheriff Valdez is the only female Sheriff in the State of Texas and the only Hispanic Female Sheriff in the United States. Sheriff Valdez has been in Law Enforcement for over 30+ years both Federal and State. On November 4, 2008, she was re-elected to serve another 4 years.
Prior to becoming Sheriff, Lupe worked to protect the lives and property of American citizens at home and abroad. In homeland security, anti-terrorism investigations, and criminal law enforcement. She has been featured in several books
As a young child, Lupe learned strong work ethics. She put herself through college to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Bethany Nazarene College now Southern Nazarene University sometimes working up to two jobs. By developing sterling work habits, she propelled her career in law enforcement. While working in law enforcement, she demonstrated her commitment to constant improvement and education by earning a Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington.
While Sheriff, she has worked diligently to address and correct deep structural problems that developed over the preceding 20 years, i.e. Understaffed, overpopulated, medically deprived and a filthy jail.
Lupe's commitment to public service continues by having served as member of:
• DISD Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program
• Women in Federal Law Enforcement Association
• Texas Narcotics Officer’s Association
• Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas
• North Texas Crime Commission
• North Texas Police Chief’s Association
• Texas Jail Association
• National Sheriff’s Association
• Major County Sheriff’s Association
• Texas Sheriff’s Association
• Oak Cliff Lions Club
• Irving Women’s Network
• Progressive Voters League
• LULAC 4871 Rainbow Council
Since taking office, Lupe has received several awards which include:
• Women’s Leadership Exchange – Compass Award
• Citigroup – Women Changing America Award
• Dallas Morning News – Distinguished Women Lecture Series
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Dallas Chapter) – Political Awareness and Involvement Award
• Haggar Clothing – Women in Diversity
• 2005 Outstanding Hispanic Women of America
• Texas NAACP Award
• 2005 Women Leaders of America
• 2005 Hispanic Leaders of America
• WCA 2007 Woman of the Year
• 2007 Elected Official Of the Year – National Association of Social Worker’s
• Girls Inc., “She Knows Where She’s Going Award” – April 12, 2007
• SMU Profiles in Leadership Award, February 28, 2008
• And Others |
