In the Spotlight

WENDY BETANCOURT - Meeting You Where You Are

Bessie Morris Foundation honors Wendy Betancourt the 2023 celebration of International Women's Day.

Superheroes With and Without Capes

Wendy Betancourt has been working with the LA County Probation Department for twenty-seven years. Perhaps she was destined for this career path. Even as a child, she's been fascinated by superheroes and police shows: Adam 12, Hill Street Blues, CHiPS, Dateline and 60 Minutes.

Born in Mexicali, Mexico, Wendy moved to California with her family when she was a toddler. Her parents wanted their children to live the American Dream. Her mother pushed college - there was no other option. “My mother always wanted me to have options in my career path and life. She felt that having a college degree would always provide that pathway for me.”

To that end, Wendy always worked to make her mother proud of her. Yet, she remains humble. Wendy first earned her Associates of Arts degree from Rio Hondo. Then she continued her education, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California State University, Los Angeles, and then a Master of Public Administration from California State University, Northridge. More recently, she earned a certificate as a Mediator, Conciliator and Facilitator from California State University, Dominguez Hills and a master's degree for Negotiation, Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Helping to resolve conflict is Wendy's passion. She currently works in the Office of the Ombudsman for the County of Los Angeles. There she serves as a confidential, neutral resource for probation clients, their families, the community, and employees to voice concerns about the department services and policies and procedures. “When the posting first came out, I doubted myself. Was I ready? Am I capable? Then, I realized I had had a 'boots on the ground approach' — I had a great sense of the policies of the department and the essence of what we do. I really enjoy this position. It is an honor to serve our employees, clients, and community members.” Wendy seeks to resolve issues in a healthy manner while utilizing conflict coaching principles in her approach.

“Immersing myself as a peacemaker in the conflict resolution field has made me a better Ombudsman, person, sister, friend, community member and woman. It has changed my life. My approach towards conflict is to be transformative. This means to find amenable solutions to parties in conflict, not placing emphasis on who is wrong or right, or who is the winner or loser. Simply, it's about finding a shared space to resolve disputes."

My Inspirations

Wendy's mother was her first inspiration - to get an education and excel. And throughout her career, Wendy feels blessed with those who have helped encourage her along the way. “There are too many great individuals to name - I am grateful to each one of them. Those that gave me personal advice and professional advice. Those that believed in me when I did not believe in myself. Individuals who saw my strengths and allowed me to thrive naturally and fostered my creativity.

“I basically grew up in the department — I started when I was only twenty years old. I made many mistakes along the way, but God puts people in your way when you need them. I am a woman of faith, and I am so blessed to have met these individuals and am honored to have fostered those relationships.

“The Ombudsman position is such a rewarding position, and I have a great manager who allows me to be innovative and provide a transformational approach to conflict. In this position, as well as every other role I have been in, I try to learn deeply about my responsibilities and then creatively find an approach that can improve the operation and the customers and clients we serve.“

Having an Impact is a Memorable Experience

Wendy has enjoyed many milestones and pathways. But there is one that stands out for her while she served as a probation officer. A teenage girl was spiraling out of control and making poor decisions. Her elderly grandmother with whom she was living was overwhelmed. Together they explored options to help. The grandmother asked Wendy if she would serve as her granddaughter's mentor in the Sunburst Youth Academy in Los Alamitos. (Sunburst is a “second chance” residential leadership academy for teens.) Wendy agreed and feels proud to have had a positive impact on the young lady's life. She is now on a productive path, and she and Wendy still keep in touch. “It's important to reach the family members where they're at. This was a good chance to support both the young lady and her grandmother.”

Wendy's Advice

1. Visualize your goals in a notebook, journal, or drawing. Celebrate your efforts, not just your achievements, and your hard work along the way. This helps to build momentum and confidence.
2. Never stop being involved and having your voice heard. It is important for youth to show up and have their voices heard - they are the next generation's leaders. Join youth coalitions and empowerment conferences. Learn to network and be an advocate. Here are just some examples:
   Peace in Education (PIE) at CSUDH: student-led initiative created by students in the Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding Program (NCRP) at California State University, Dominguez Hill. They have great group-facilitated dialogues, e.g., related black women empowerment, Compton health care disparity initiative. For more information contact Program Director Julie Alli at Jalli1@toromail.csudh.edu
   Kids Managing Conflict (KMC): Mission to support and promote programs in K-12 schools that teach students conflict resolutions management skills and enrich their lives into adulthood. Wendy is a member of KMC's Board of Directors.
   Los Angeles County Youth Commission: Newly formed by Board of Supervisors seeks to make youth systems (foster, juvenile justice, etc.) better. Join or attend meetings. Each district has a representative. Vision is all youth-serving systems in LA County will be informed by and co-designed with the voices of youth with lived experience. The mission is to help child welfare and juvenile justice systems center youth voice in their efforts to co-design and improve policies, programs, and services.
3. And one of the most important: Remember to meet people where they are at. This means that it important to listen and learn, seek to understand, and tailor your approach when communicating with them. Allow them an opportunity to feel heard and create a brave and trusted space where they can flourish and thrive.

Bessie Morris Foundation's CEO Ivory Freeman is a Probation Officer with the Los Angeles Probation Department. She has always respected and admired Wendy's leadership style and her approach to her job. Wendy has truly made a difference in Ivory's life by making her feel supported.

March 2023