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Noralva Galloway: 2024 Latin Times Magazines Lideres Award

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Full name: Noralva Galloway 

Hispanic Heritage: Mexican 

Residence: Fort Myers, FL 

Profession: Law Enforcement. Currently a Captain in the Internal Affairs Unit in a law enforcement capacity 

I have been serving my community as a law enforcement officer for twenty-four years. I am married to a wonderful husband and have two beautiful daughters: Alissa, who is 26, and Elysia, who is 16. They are my world! I enjoy traveling and visiting our second home in Idaho. I grew up in Idaho and Florida and made the final move to Florida over 22 years ago. I love Florida and plan on retiring here. I owe a lot to my parents, who sacrificed so much and worked hard to provide a better life for themselves and their children. Working hard and reaching my goals is my way of saying thank you to them. Currently, I am attending FGCU to earn my BA in Criminal Justice. Yes, I did it backward, but I set a goal for myself and also to show my children that there is always time to earn that degree! My oldest daughter is currently working on her Master's Degree, and my youngest is a very talented musician, making me a very proud mother. I am beyond blessed with my family and having a career I love. 

 


LTM: Tell us about what you do for a living and how you got into it. 


I am currently employed at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as the Captain of the Internal Affairs Unit. If you're not familiar with this role, it is the department that monitors the conduct of law enforcement officers. The Internal Affairs Unit is responsible for investigating all allegations of misconduct by law enforcement members, including complaints of excessive use of force, racial profiling, and human rights violations. The unit's primary goal is to ensure accountability and uphold agency standards. I have been a law enforcement officer for a total of 24 years. In high school, a school resource officer told me that I would make a good police officer, and that comment stuck with me. At 19, I put myself through the police academy and have been working in the profession ever since. I have worked in numerous capacities, such as Patrol, Gangs, and Narcotics (including in an undercover capacity), spent a short time in Homicide, and currently in Internal Affairs. 


LTM: In your industry, what would you say separates you from your competition?

 

I am dedicated to my role and deeply care about the community, officers, and employees. I always ensure that my investigations are approached with impartiality. My bilingual skills have been highly beneficial during the performance of my duties, especially working in SouthWest Florida where there is a large Hispanic population, and some community members may not speak English. The benefit of having a Spanish speaker in my profession can provide a sense of relief knowing they can contact my agency and talk to someone who understands them if they feel mistreated by the police. 


LTM: Why do you feel you were nominated?


I believe I am a strong example of perseverance. My parents immigrated to this country from Mexico in the early 70s in search of better opportunities for themselves and their children. Growing up, I witnessed their hard work in agriculture, and I often joined them in the fields as a child. When I became a teenager, I developed a passion for becoming a law enforcement officer. Despite facing many challenges, I remained committed to pursuing my dreams and never gave up. Through my determination, dedication, and ambition, I was able to achieve my goals. I believe I can serve as an inspiration to those who may feel like giving up on their aspirations. I still have personal goals that I am working towards, and I will always strive to work hard and continue growing. 


LTM: During COVID-19, tell us about your Biggest Challenge/obstacle and how you overcame it/or are overcoming it. 


I feel fortunate during this challenging time because I am still alive. I have seen people lose their lives and jobs due to the pandemic, which has affected so many individuals. Despite the difficulties, the law enforcement agency I work for has continued its operations, and our Sheriff did an excellent job implementing safety measures for the employees. However, there have been some unfortunate circumstances that made it challenging to ensure people's safety, especially those officers on patrol, who came in close contact with people in a time when isolation was mandatory. 


LTM: Tell us about your biggest achievement in business or personal life, and how you achieved it. 


My most significant achievement is becoming the first Latina Captain in Internal Affairs in my agency's history. I worked hard throughout my career and feel like I've kept up with “the rest of them,” and sometimes even more! I have to give credit to Sheriff Carmine Marceno who recognized my efforts and entrusted me with the position. Not only being a woman but also being Latina, can sometimes be overlooked in a male-dominated profession creating somewhat of a challenge. Sheriff Marceno did an excellent job in recognizing minority leaders and their hard work. 


LTM: What is next for you? What can people expect to see from you? 


I would like to continue to grow in my profession until retirement. After that, maybe operate a small business of some sort.  


LTM: What does being a U.S. citizen mean to you? 


Being a U.S. citizen means freedom and law and order, the ability to pursue happiness. Although I am extremely proud of my roots, I love the U.S. for allowing my family to live a better life. 


LTM: What is your opinion of the state of affairs in our nation? And what role do you see Hispanics/Latinos playing in the future of our nation? 


Domestically, it is evident that struggles have increased due to price inflations on everyday needs and living situations. Regardless of who takes office as our country’s leader in the upcoming election, changes need to be made. I have lived for over four decades and have seen how the Latin community has increasingly become important in the U.S. Latinos are attaining higher education and getting more involved in politics. More Latinos have become business owners and public servants, such as first responders and the military – all because of our freedom of choice. This is shaping strong Latino leaders, and I strongly believe that one day, we will see a Latino in the White House! 


LTM: What is the best lesson that you have learned in leadership and how has it helped your career? 


The lesson I’ve learned is to always remain humble and treat people with respect, no matter who they are or what they do. Never forget your roots and struggles, and remember where you came from. This approach has helped me in my career by earning people’s respect and trust. When people trust and respect you, you can do your job that much better. 


LTM: What is YOUR comida Latina favorita? 

Enchiladas de pollo con chile rojo! ¡También Ceviche estilo Peruano! Yum! 


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