HOUSTON — As Women's History Month comes to a close, we can't help but highlight Houston native Police Chief Shamara Garner.
She's the face of public safety for the Houston Independent School District, and for Garner, timing is everything. She said she could've never imagined she'd be in the position she's in today.
"Absolutely not. Absolutely not, I never doubted my leadership ability. I've always had that, but I always kind of felt more comfortable in helping behind the scenes," Garner said.
She served 28 years with the Houston Police Department before retiring as a lieutenant.
"Retired on a Friday and started here on a Monday," Garner said.
Her greatest leap of faith took place seven months ago when she made history by becoming the first woman to lead the state's largest school district's police department since its inception in 1994.
"Throughout the nation, you know, there's about 3% of females are, you know, are chief of police for various agencies. So it's not something that just in the Houston or Houston Independent School District issues, you know, it's something across the board in terms of female law enforcement, female leadership," Garner said.
This is why for Garner, representation, qualifications and promotions matter.
"Since the beginning of my career, there were female officers who helped me along the way. When it comes to recruiting females, if we see each other that helps," Garner said.
She also had advice for young girls and women who want to become future leaders in different capacities.
"Leadership is really about influence and relationships. So make sure that the influence that you have is a positive one. The relationships you have are positive and you are adding value to others," Garner said.
Keeping in mind, in her eyes, timing is everything.
"Hone your craft, if you will, if that's the route you want to take, study up on it, do what you can to make yourself ready for when the moment comes as it pertains to leadership," Garner said.
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