Planting a Seed
Janice believed that every opportunity was a chance to plant a seed, a seed of growth, change, and something bigger than herself. She knew that words had power, and every action carried meaning. That’s why she chose to be intentional, making sure that the people around her felt seen, heard, and valued.
She had experienced what it was like to be overlooked.But instead of letting that discourage her, she used it as motivation. She refused to let those around her feel invisible.
For her, success wasn’t just about personal achievement. It was about planting seeds in others, helping them grow, and creating a future where everyone had the opportunity to rise. Because real change happens when people know they matter and Janice was determined to make sure they did.
Use Your Voice
Janice walked into a community where men were in charge. They made the decisions, led the meetings, and took credit for success. But she noticed something, women were always involved, working hard behind the scenes to keep everything running. Still, they were rarely given a real voice.
She knew women deserved a chance to lead too. But every time she spoke up, her ideas were questioned, while men’s ideas were accepted without hesitation. She had to work twice as hard just to be heard.
Instead of giving up, Janice made a plan. She analyzed how decisions were made, built relationships, and found ways to make her voice stronger. The men moved forward without much effort, but she had to push through every obstacle. Still, she refused to back down.
With each step forward, she proved that leadership isn’t just about who’s always been in charge, it’s about who’s willing to fight for change. Women deserve the same chances as men, and Janice was determined to make sure they got them.
Bridging the Gap
Janice had other plans, she knew that too often kids grew up fearing the police, seeing them only as a symbol of punishment rather than protection. She wanted to change that. She wanted them to see officers as people, mentors, role models, and even friends.
With confidence and determination, she went straight to the Mayor of Lancaster. “We need officers in the School District of Lancaster not just to enforce rules, but to build relationships with kids,” she told him. Her goal was simple: bring officers and children together through sports, teamwork, and trust to reduce crime and create a safer future.
At first, people doubted her. Would officers agree? Would parents accept it? Would kids even want to participate? The Mayor took time to decide, but Janice never backed down. She knew the impact this program could have. She had a vision, and she refused to be ignored.
A few weeks later, the Mayor made his decision thanks to Janice’s persistence, the Police Athletic League (PAL) was born. Officers started showing up not in moments of crisis, but to play basketball, coach teams, and mentor kids.
The results were powerful. Kids who once feared officers began to trust them. Juvenile crime dropped. The community started to change. And at the heart of it all was a woman who believed in making a difference.
Janice didn’t just start a program she built a legacy. She proved that when women lead with purpose, they create real change. She fought for what she believed in and showed the world that strong, determined women can shape the future.
“I started that,” she said with pride. And because of her, a whole community was better for it.
Lifting Each Other Up
Janice believed in the power of community. She knew that success wasn’t just about individual effort, it was about showing up for others.
“We have to make ourselves available,” she said. “We need to support each other, to lift up those who come after us.”
She made sure no one felt alone . Whether it was offering guidance, answering questions, or simply being present, she wanted people to know they didn’t have to figure it all out by themselves.
“Ask questions. Ask for help. You’re not alone in this.”
Her words weren’t just advice; they were a call to action. She lived by them, always making space for others, always leading with an open heart. Because true success isn’t just about moving forward it’s about bringing others with you.