December 23, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – To inspire and share career insight with members of the Hampden District Attorney’s HERizon program, six local women participated in a panel during HERizon’s Dec. 16 meeting. 

The panelists included Chicopee Police Officer Flordemaris Delarosa, Springfield Police Officer Tequila Taylor-Evans, DCF Social Worker & Supervisor Angie Riddle, Holyoke Medical Center Director of Addiction Treatment Services Maria Quinn, The Latest Kraez owner Rachael Kraez, and Springfield City Councilor At-Large Tracye Whitfield. 

Community Safety & Outreach Specialist Halie Matthew facilitated the meeting, asking questions to the panelists, as the group of high school-aged girls, listened intently and took notes. 

One by one, the panelists talked about their careers, how they got started in their fields, and if this line of work was what they always wanted to do.

Officers Delarosa and Taylor-Evans shared stories of their childhoods and upbringings, adding that it was compassionate police officers that stepped in for them, acting as the “calm in the storm” that inspired them. Based on their positive interactions with those officers, it encouraged them to help others in the same way. 

Matthew then asked about self-doubt, and if they had experienced it, how they dealt with it.

Whitfield said she does not let anyone’s opinion but her own affect her. “Don’t tell anyone who you are, what you are, or what you will become,” she shared, adding that it’s important to not let self-doubt take over and to be confident in yourself. 

Riddle shared that she was anxious leading up to speaking on the panel, but after some positive self-talk and reminders that she could do it, she gained her confidence. 

Taylor-Evans said she’s in a “very competitive” career where everyone is a number and individuals – especially women – must prove themselves. 

“I don’t wait to tell people where I belong,” she said, adding that she likes to make her presence known and has no problem taking up space. 

After panelists answered Matthew’s questions, the HERizon members were able to ask their own questions. Those questions included, “What is one task you do at your job that would surprise people,” and “what drives you?” 

Some young women even asked for advice when being told by others that you can or can’t do something.

Whitfield’s response to that was, “Prove them wrong.”

At the end of the meeting, the panelists left students with a few powerful thoughts and advice to carry with them. 

“Do it anyway,” said Kraez.

“Let your scars work for you, not against you,” shared Taylor-Evans. 

“We all have something to give,” said Whitfield. 

HERizon was created by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office as a leadership and empowerment program for young, high-school aged women across Hampden County. The initiative aims to equip participants with tools, confidence, and community to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities with purpose.