Speakers

With almost 15 years of progressive experience in law enforcement, Sara Lombraña brings a distinguished background in criminal investigations, leadership, and public service. Sara is a graduate of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science Academy and has dedicated most of her career to complex and high-stakes investigations involving vi

With almost 15 years of progressive experience in law enforcement, Sara Lombraña brings a distinguished background in criminal investigations, leadership, and public service. Sara is a graduate of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science Academy and has dedicated most of her career to complex and high-stakes investigations involving violent crimes such as homicides, sex offenses, and crimes against children. 

Throughout her career, Sara has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to justice, victim advocacy, and investigative excellence. Extensive experience in forensic principles and case management has contributed to successful outcomes in some of the most serious and sensitive criminal cases. Drawing on both military discipline and investigative expertise, Sara leads with integrity, transparency, and a clear commitment to public safety. 

Currently serving as Interim Chief of Police for the Purcellville Police Department, Sara provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational direction for the department. In this executive role, she is responsible for guiding personnel, strengthening community partnerships, enhancing accountability, and advancing professional standards across the agency. Known for a meticulous and methodical approach, strong ethical standards, and sound judgement under pressure, Sara has earned the trust of colleagues, prosecutors, and the community alike.

Sara holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary Washington and remains dedicated to continuous professional development and organizational excellence. She has completed various executive-level courses including the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP) Professional Executive Leadership School (PELS), has obtained the FBI LEEDA Trilogy Award and has been recognized by the VACP with the Law Enforcement Executive Certification Program and is a veteran of the United States Army.

With a career rooted in service, leadership, and the pursuit of justice, she continues to work toward developing safer communities through principled and practical law enforcement leadership.  

Sasha Larkin is an internationally recognized executive, speaker, and former law enforcement leader whose career has been dedicated to strengthening organizations, building trusted partnerships, and helping people perform at their best when it matters most.

As Director of Intelligence and C4 Operations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sasha le

Sasha Larkin is an internationally recognized executive, speaker, and former law enforcement leader whose career has been dedicated to strengthening organizations, building trusted partnerships, and helping people perform at their best when it matters most.

As Director of Intelligence and C4 Operations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sasha leads intelligence coordination, threat assessment, and multi-agency collaboration for the largest and most complex sporting event in history, spanning 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Working alongside public safety partners across three nations, she has helped shape the intelligence and operational coordination strategy for one of the world’s most challenging global events.

Prior to FIFA, Sasha served for more than 25 years with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, rising through the ranks while leading patrol operations, investigative units, counterterrorism initiatives, and the Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center. She later commanded the Investigative Services Division and the Homeland Security Division, overseeing intelligence, emergency management, SWAT, counterterrorism, major events, and critical public safety operations for one of the nation’s largest police agencies. Her distinguished career culminated in her appointment as Assistant Sheriff, becoming the first woman in the history of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to hold that position.

Throughout her career, Sasha developed innovative programs that strengthened public safety through collaboration, including the nationally recognized Fusion Liaison Officer Program and numerous community engagement initiatives that built lasting partnerships among law enforcement, government agencies, private industry, and diverse communities. She has represented law enforcement on national and international working groups focused on counterterrorism, violent extremism, intelligence sharing, and homeland security, collaborating with organizations including the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Joint Counterterrorism Assessment Team, and public safety partners around the world.

A passionate and dedicated speaker, Sasha presents on crisis leadership, resilience, counterterrorism, major event security, organizational culture, community trust, and high-performing teams. Drawing on decades of experience leading through crisis, from mass casualty incidents and homeland security to the world’s largest and most complex sporting event, she equips leaders with practical strategies for building resilient organizations, making sound decisions under pressure, and leading with clarity when it matters most.

In addition to her executive career, Sasha has taught Hatha Vinyasa yoga for more than 25 years. Her teaching emphasizes breathwork as the foundation for preparing the mind and body for meditation. She has traveled extensively, including multiple journeys to India to study with some of the world’s foremost yoga teachers, integrating those principles into practical approaches for resilience, focus, and peak performance. Her ability to bridge elite leadership with human performance has made her a sought-after speaker for executives, first responders, and organizations around the world.

Assistant Chief Tina Laguna is a distinguished law enforcement executive with over 30 years of public safety experience, currently serving with the Alexandria (VA) Police Department. She began her career as a dispatcher with the Manassas City Police Department, an experience that inspired her to have a broader voice for the community. She

Assistant Chief Tina Laguna is a distinguished law enforcement executive with over 30 years of public safety experience, currently serving with the Alexandria (VA) Police Department. She began her career as a dispatcher with the Manassas City Police Department, an experience that inspired her to have a broader voice for the community. She was later sworn in as a police officer and from that foundation, rose through the ranks as a detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain, ultimately making history in Manassas as the first woman and person of color to be promoted to Assistant Chief of Police. Throughout her career, she has led diverse portfolios, including Patrol, Investigative Services, and Internal Affairs, while overseeing high-level budgeting and strategic planning. 

After retiring from Manassas, Assistant Chief Laguna joined the Alexandria Police Department in 2023. She served as the Community Support Bureau Commander where she successfully guided the agency to its 12th national accreditation and spearheaded the creation of new promotional processes and an internal first-line supervisor training program. Chief Laguna currently oversees the Criminal Investigations Division, recruitment, hiring, training, labor relations, and technology units. A passionate advocate for the next generation of leaders, she is a sought-after instructor and public speaker dedicated to strengthening the bonds between law enforcement and the community.

A lifelong learner, Assistant Chief Laguna holds a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University, a graduate certificate in Management and Leadership from Liberty University and is a graduate of the Professional Executive Leadership School (PELS) and the FBI National Academy, Session 242. She is certified as an instructor through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and a Certified Law Enforcement Command Executive through the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation. Assistant Chief Laguna is active in several professional organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP).

Assistant Chief Laguna is bilingual in English and Spanish. She is happily married to her best friend, Juan, and has two stepchildren. 

  Claudia Cavazza is an Operational Resilience and Recovery Specialist with over 15 years of experience supporting professionals in high-stress environments. As a Certified Trauma Professional, Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional, trauma-informed Yoga Professional, and Health Coach, she specializes in helping first responders, veter

  Claudia Cavazza is an Operational Resilience and Recovery Specialist with over 15 years of experience supporting professionals in high-stress environments. As a Certified Trauma Professional, Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional, trauma-informed Yoga Professional, and Health Coach, she specializes in helping first responders, veterans, military personnel, and leaders in demanding roles build sustainable resilience, recover from operational stress, and prevent burnout.

Claudia's work integrates somatic healing, polyvagal-informed practices, and mindfulness-based interventions to support nervous system regulation, mitigate PTSD symptoms, and strengthen long-term operational capacity. Her approach is trauma-sensitive, evidence-informed, and grounded in practical application.

She is the founder of WRKwell, a company delivering integrative stress management and resilience solutions to individuals and organizations through embodied practices, health coaching, and leadership development. Claudia also served as Director of Interdisciplinary Education at the Give Back Yoga Foundation, developing national programs to bring trauma-informed practices to underserved populations.

Her clients include the Arlington County Fire and Police Departments, Alexandria Sheriff's Office and Fire Department, Delaware State Police, Virginia Beach and Norfolk Police Departments, the US Navy, Wounded Warrior Project, Georgetown University, the George Washington University, Howard County Fire and Rescue, the USDA, MWAA, O2X, Vetoga, the Washington Wizards, the Washington Capitals, and elite law enforcement and government agencies.

Elia Alfonso is a Lieutenant with the City of Manassas Police Department. Elia is originally from the state of New Jersey and relocated to Virginia in 1999 when hired as a police officer by the Manassas City Police Department. Elia is a first-generation Cuban born in the United States. Elia’s professional passions have always been patrol 

Elia Alfonso is a Lieutenant with the City of Manassas Police Department. Elia is originally from the state of New Jersey and relocated to Virginia in 1999 when hired as a police officer by the Manassas City Police Department. Elia is a first-generation Cuban born in the United States. Elia’s professional passions have always been patrol operations and specializing in all matters of Use of Force. 

Elia has been a Defensive Tactics Instructor since 2008 and the Defensive Tactics Program Manager since 2014. As the Defensive Tactics Program Manager, Elia is also responsible for lesson plan development, teaching techniques, and providing testimony in court. Elia developed two courses in the field of Use of Force are “Managing Use of Force for 1st Line Supervisors” and “Use of Force - Roles and Responsibilities of the Officer.” Elia is also a Taser Instructor, Force Science Analyst, and Crisis Negotiations Team leader. 

Deputy Chief Erin Weeks commands the Internal Affairs Bureau of the Fairfax County Police Department. She previously served as Commander of the Mason District Police Station, one of Fairfax County’s most diverse districts, where she led more than 100 law enforcement professionals and oversaw patrol operations, community engagement, and da

Deputy Chief Erin Weeks commands the Internal Affairs Bureau of the Fairfax County Police Department. She previously served as Commander of the Mason District Police Station, one of Fairfax County’s most diverse districts, where she led more than 100 law enforcement professionals and oversaw patrol operations, community engagement, and data-informed crime-reduction strategies.

Deputy Chief Weeks also served as Assistant Commander of the Violent Crimes Division, where she led the Homicide, Robbery, and Cold Case Unit. Since joining the department in 2006, she has served in patrol, investigations, and supervisory assignments across the agency. She is a graduate of the DC Police Leadership Academy, Leadership in Police Organizations, and the University of Chicago’s Policing Leadership Academy.

Master Police Officer Stacy Sassano has dedicated 24 distinguished years to public service and law enforcement with the Fairfax County Police Department. After earning degrees in Criminal Justice and Spanish, she began her career with Fairfax County Police in 2001 and has since built a diverse and impactful career grounded in service, lea

Master Police Officer Stacy Sassano has dedicated 24 distinguished years to public service and law enforcement with the Fairfax County Police Department. After earning degrees in Criminal Justice and Spanish, she began her career with Fairfax County Police in 2001 and has since built a diverse and impactful career grounded in service, leadership, and community engagement.

MPO Sassano served in patrol assignments at the Mason, McLean, and Reston District Stations from 2001 to 2012, gaining extensive frontline experience and building strong relationships within the communities she served. From 2012 to 2016, she worked as a School Resource Officer, fostering positive connections with students and school communities. She later served as a Gang Unit Detective from 2016 to 2023, where she investigated gang-related criminal activity and collaborated with regional and federal partners to enhance public safety. Since 2023, she has served as a Crime Prevention Officer, continuing her commitment to strengthening community partnerships and advancing proactive public safety initiatives.

Throughout her career, MPO Sassano has also supported specialized operations through temporary assignments with the Fugitive and Warrant Squads. She is a certified instructor, Field Training Instructor, and has served as an active Peer Support member for over 20 years, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to mentoring fellow officers and supporting their wellbeing.

MPO Sassano was honored with the “She Is Beyond the Badge” Award in 2025. As she continues her professional journey, she eagerly awaits her next chapter and the opportunity to serve as a Sergeant, bringing with her decades of experience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the profession.

Captain Michelle Tavarez has served with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) for more than two decades and currently commands the Safe Neighborhoods Bureau, overseeing specialized teams focused on gangs, narcotics, human trafficking, gun violence, and violent crime. She previously led Major Violators and Narcotics and ser

Captain Michelle Tavarez has served with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) for more than two decades and currently commands the Safe Neighborhoods Bureau, overseeing specialized teams focused on gangs, narcotics, human trafficking, gun violence, and violent crime. She previously led Major Violators and Narcotics and served as commander of Spring Valley Area Command, where she was responsible for nearly 200 commissioned and civilian employees.

Her career spans patrol, investigations, recruiting, training, specialized enforcement, crisis negotiation, and executive leadership. Michelle spent more than six years as a Crisis Negotiator and later served as a team leader for LVMPD’s Crisis Negotiation Team, responding to more than 150 critical incidents. Her experience included a 23-hour standoff involving a mother and her two young children and a 29-hour hostage barricade involving a four-year-old child and babysitter—the longest standoff in LVMPD history.

A passionate educator and mentor, Michelle is a national instructor, keynote speaker, and conference presenter who speaks on leadership, emotional maturity, communication, crisis response, and the advancement of women in law enforcement. She is especially passionate about developing emerging leaders and helping women lead authentically and confidently.

Beyond public service, Michelle is also an entrepreneur and business owner. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Liberty University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is most proud of the life she has built with Emily and their blended family of six children.