Debra Bodkin

Debbie didn’t expect her career in law enforcement to lead where it did. A police officer since 1987, the Law and Security Administration graduate became an expert in investigations and interviewing. These skills were put to good use when she travelled overseas to work on commissions in Kosovo, Chad, and Darfur and saw the worst of human cruelty and suffering first-hand. Her experiences changed her, profoundly and permanently.

After she came back from Darfur, people became interested in Debbie’s experiences, as well as the insight she could share on the situation. Almost by accident, she became a speaker on the topic – a development that she says was as helpful for her as it was for her audiences. Debbie is still talking to people today, reminding them to be grateful for the good things in their lives, and encouraging them to be compassionate, global citizens. She says Fanshawe laid the foundation for her success in law enforcement.

Debbie was awarded Fanshawe’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009, and went on to win the Premier’s Award. With the funds from the Premier’s Award, Debbie established the The Debra Bodkin Women in Police Foundations Bursary.