Women’s History Month Spotlight: Commander Morgan Kane of MPD’s First District
Wednesday March 31, 2021
This past month, we’ve featured a series of spotlight articles showcasing just a few of the many amazing women who serve our community. This Women’s History Month spotlight features Commander Morgan Kane of MPD’s First District, a critically important partner organization that provides public safety services to Mount Vernon Triangle. Read Commander Kane’s story in this MVT Women’s History Month spotlight:
MVT CID: How did you get to where you are today in your industry?
Commander Kane: I am here today as a patrol district commander in our Nation’s Capital because I had mentors that saw something in me and gave me a shot. This wasn’t the easiest road to navigate and travel, but I made a point to prepare myself through academic studies, participating in the promotional processes, and remaining focused and working diligently in whatever position/assignment I had within agency. Coming up my parents stressed the importance of education, so I made sure I obtained my Bachelor’s degree and my Master’s degree in Public Administration. I am currently in the Executive Leaders Program at the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, Naval Post Graduate School. Not only was it important for me to earn my degrees from a higher institution but it is also important to continue my studies by participating in leadership programs and advanced training courses.
Hard work, dedication and consistency were all key factors to my promotional success. Each level of leadership presented itself with different obstacles, responsibilities and expectations. Although you may not get it the first time, it is imperative to remain consistent, resilient, and open to the process.
I am an advocate for hands on experience. Working in various positions throughout different ranks has taught me the importance of networking and mentorship and the importance of doing the job you are asking your team to do. When I was moving through the ranks, I connected with strong leaders within my industry who took me under their wing and exposed me to higher levels of the organization and government.
MVT CID: Why do you think that your industry could benefit by having more female leaders?
Commander Kane: Having female leaders in the law enforcement field has many benefits. We have the skill set to bring different perspectives to a situation or scenario, the ability to collaborate, utilize out of the box thinking, and mindfulness to many different aspects of the job. In a male dominated field, where it is important to bring empathy, listening skills, the ability to multitask, and flexibility, we are that key source and the voice at the table advocating for change in the profession. Female leaders break barriers beyond the day to day practices. While being motivated by challenges we dream big with the goal to get results and be a role model to the women following in our footsteps.
MVT CID: What is your advice to women looking to make it in your field?
Commander Kane: I would advise women who are seeking careers in the law enforcement field to stay the course, continue educating yourself, do the work, network and be true to yourself and your value system. Have humility but use your voice. Knowledge is power, soak in as much information as you can and apply it in your everyday practices. Seek out a seasoned mentor who is willing to help guide you through the peaks and valleys of your career. Don’t be afraid to do that. Networking is important: you may not have all of the answers but I encourage you to build working relationships so that you are a connecting source to your community. Please always use your power and your position for GOOD.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. Do not sacrifice your personal life for your career. It can be a challenge, but seek your village and your support system to find balance to nurture both.
MVT CID: If you didn’t have the career that you have today, what would you be doing instead?
Commander Kane: A lawyer advocating for equal rights.
MVT CID: What’s your favorite part about Life in MVT?
Commander Kane: I adore the diversity in MVT. I enjoy visiting the restaurants in my off-time with my family and just walking the area. The partnership that we have developed with the CID and the community in general has been critical to our efforts to collaborate, not only to bring services to those in need, but to also ensure a safe and vibrant neighborhood.
MVT CID celebrates and appreciates all of the women who live, work, do business in, visit, protect and serve our community. Happy Women’s History Month!
Read more Women’s History Month spotlights:
Mariah Barnes of Orangetheory Fitness
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