South West Illinois News

In a recent connection facilitated by Rep Friess’ Women’s Leadership Initiative, a mentee named Jaydian had the opportunity to speak with Amanda McKune, a Conservation Police Officer (CPO) in the St. Clair County district. Jaydian, a junior at Red Bud High School, expressed her interest in becoming a Conservation Police Officer, and McKune graciously agreed to share her insights and experiences.

McKune, who was named Officer of the Year in 2022, began her career as a biologist at the St. Louis Zoo. Her passion for the IDNR (Illinois Department of Resources) Conservation Police program led her to pursue a career as a CPO. After completing the Illinois State Police Academy, McKune went through a rigorous hiring process before finally securing her position as a CPO. She has been in the program for four years and finds great satisfaction in her work.

During their meeting, McKune advised Jaydian on the best path to pursue her dream of becoming a Conservation Police Officer. She recommended obtaining a Bachelor's Degree before attending the academy and also suggested applying for a mentorship summer program with IDNR. This program would provide Jaydian with the opportunity to ride along with a CPO and gain valuable firsthand experience. McKune provided Jaydian with her contact information and also shared the details of the Randolph County CPO, who could offer further guidance.

Jaydian left the meeting feeling inspired and armed with valuable new information. She expressed her excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead.

The Women’s Leadership Initiative, led by Rep Friess, continues to connect mentees with professional women in their fields of interest. These connections provide invaluable guidance and support to young individuals like Jaydian who are eager to pursue their chosen careers. Through these initiatives, aspiring professionals can learn from experienced individuals who have already paved the way in their respective fields.

The importance of mentorship and networking cannot be overstated, especially for young individuals who are just starting their professional journeys. Through programs like Rep Friess’ Women’s Leadership Initiative, mentees have the opportunity to gain insights, ask questions, and receive guidance from successful women in their desired fields. This not only helps them make informed decisions about their career paths but also instills confidence and motivation to pursue their goals.

As the network connections facilitated by Rep Friess’ Women’s Leadership Initiative continue to grow, more mentees will have the opportunity to connect with inspiring women like Amanda McKune. These connections serve as a reminder that with the right guidance and support, there are no limits to what one can achieve in their chosen field.

To find out more, go to this link: https://repfriess.com/2023/11/16/network-connections-with-rep-friess-womens-leadership-initiative/