arlether Profile

No one challenges traditional roles and stereotypes more than Arlether Wilson. After spending more than ten years in foster care Arlether moved into the poverty stricken community of Fifth Ward, Texas where people weren’t expected to excel. Her life story is similar to many African American women, yet it’s surprisingly distinctive. While growing up Arlether was the oldest of three children but she was forced to drop out of school after having her son. During her journey Arlether encountered many struggles, but none as stifling as homelessness. Unfortunately, during her expedition several people tried to discourage Arlether by telling her that she couldn’t succeed because of her family history. Fortunately, she was determined to defy their beliefs and follow her own dreams. Well Arlether did indeed defy the odds. After her divorce she applied and was accepted into the police academy, where she graduated number one in her class. Three years late she was promoted to sergeant and later excelled to the rank of captain. During her tenure as an officer Arlether also earned her Master Peace Officer Certification, which is the highest certification an officer can attain. Then in 1999 she was honored as “Officer of the Year