Monica Martin recently made history by becoming the first Black woman to serve as Deputy Chief of the Fort Worth Police Department. Her promotion came shortly after earning an Executive MBA (EMBA) from Texas Christian University (TCU), highlighting her commitment to leadership and growth.
Martin, 44, now oversees South Patrol, which includes East Division, South Division, and Central Downtown. She realized that moving into the department’s executive ranks required advanced knowledge in handling budgets and financial issues. “I knew there was gonna be a time of transitioning from a tactical to more of a business mindset,” Martin said.
From TCU EMBA Graduate to Deputy Chief
Martin graduated from TCU’s EMBA program in 2023. Just weeks later, she achieved her historic promotion. The program offered her vital skills and a strong support network, including friendships with notable figures like NBC5 sports anchor Newy Scruggs.
Reflecting on her experience, Martin said, “We walked in as strangers and left as family. And I think that, out of all things, was the biggest bonus for me.” Her EMBA cohort’s bond was so strong that they celebrated their graduation with a trip to Cancun, with a Jamaica trip planned for this year.
A Personal Journey to Law Enforcement
Before joining the police force, Martin earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Prairie View A&M University. Initially, she had no intention of pursuing a career in law enforcement. However, her stepfather, retired Fort Worth police lieutenant Glen Edney, encouraged her to consider it.
Her perspective changed when her mother and sister were robbed in their driveway. “I remember thinking if I had been there the night of the robbery, would I have known what to do?” she said. The incident, combined with seeing her stepfather’s passion for his work, inspired her to join the force.
Focusing on Community Impact and Education
Martin’s experience during the robbery also sparked her interest in creating opportunities for at-risk youth. She began asking herself, “How can we create pathways to success for kids, especially in our underserved communities?” Her focus on positive change continues to guide her work in the police department.
She isn’t stopping with her EMBA. Martin is now pursuing a doctorate in business administration at Prairie View A&M. She is already looking ahead to future opportunities, possibly in city management. “I have been reaching out to some of our assistant city managers, and they have allowed me to come shadow them,” she shared.
Planning for the Future
Martin is eligible to retire from the police department in five years. With her sights set on a potential role in city management, she is proactively preparing for her next chapter. “I’m thinking about the end of this tenure and my next journey,” she said.
Her story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through education, perseverance, and a clear vision for the future.
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