Rennae Francis, MA was born and raised in the south western village of Soufriere, Dominica. She lived up with her mother, her two aunts, Diane and Erin, her grandmother Philomena Francis and her sister Jeanna Francis. Although her father Cletus Seaman was not a part if her childhood, she was able to form a very close  bond with the Seaman family including her aunts, uncles and cousins.

Francis began her education at the Convent Preparatory School and later the Convent High School where she majored in the sciences. She then spent one year at the Dominica State College where she majored in Chemistry and Biology and pursued a minor in Physics. Rennae fondly remembers that at the time, her mother was the Registrar of the College so they commuted together.

Francis enjoyed her childhood and credits her success to the exemplary role models she saw in the women in her life as well as the opportunities provided for her by God.

She says, “Growing up in Soufriere was such a blessing. The village raised me. We have the best catholic church community along with the best diving and fishing community. I learned to be humble and truly appreciative of my life by living in that village. The elders treated me like their own and my grandmother ensured that I was disciplined when I needed to be and kept me grounded. Growing up on a property surrounded by agriculture and animals taught me the true basic fundamentals in life – that we all have a crucial part to play in this world no matter how small we may believe it to be”.

She says further, “I attribute all my accomplishments to my upbringing. I only had the best examples growing up. My mom went to UWI and got her PhD in History. My aunty Diana won the Carnival Queen Show in 1986 and chose the scholarship option and studied in UWI, Trinidad and my aunty Erin went to Cambridge University on a full scholarship. My entire household instilled in me the importance of hard work and education so I could not avoid it! I also was raised as a God-fearing woman and firmly believe God blessed me with the opportunities to work and study in the US and become part of the NYPD”.

For Rennae ‘the pursuit of justice through thorough and proper criminal investigations’ is her main goal. She believes that change can be happen anywhere in the world with just one person.

She says, “I wanted to be someone that other young black (immigrant) women could look to for advice and motivation”.

While it was hard to leave Dominica at the tender age of 17 years, Francis learned to adapt quickly.

She says, “I had no friends in New York when I first arrived and lacked a proper background in New York Culture so the culture shock was real! I had to work two jobs to afford my apartment while studying forensic science which is essentially a science degree with a lot of laboratory work. It was not easy but I do consider myself a social butterfly so I made friends quickly. I have a core system of friends – majority of them are Dominicans who also came to NY/NJ to pursue their studies. They have been my rock since I don’t have any immediate family within the 5 boroughs. We talk daily, we have events at each other’s houses, we give each other advice, we discuss sports, current events and ways we can make each other better. So on top of the support system I have from my family (who are scattered), I have really great friends who have become family. In addition, within the NYPD, I have  made a few strong relationships – I call upon them when I need mentorship in certain leadership roles”.

Rennae took the opportunity to develop her self by reading and travelling. She read books to really understand the history of America and travelled the globe to give herself a proper view on cultures. At the same time she maintains a strong connection to her Dominica and visit at least once a year during the carnival season and participate in all the carnival activities.

She says, “It allows me to press the “reset” button and re-charge. Being around your own people and culture on the island of your birth does wonders for your being. This is why I take any and every opportunity to brag about Dominica in interviews!”

Rennae says that she would tell young women especially those who are looking towards a career in policing, ‘to be true to themselves and trust that they are just as or may be even more competent than their male counterparts’.

She advises, “Do not change yourself to fit their narrative! Everyone is unique for a reason. Your uniqueness is what will bring the department further. Embrace it”.

“I loved my job from the day I started in the police academy. I love being physical and working out so it was a pleasure for me to be paid to work out! I thought it was the most brilliant thing. I was being paid to work out and learn the law. I knew those skills would come in handy, as I had no prior background in law enforcement. Once I hit the streets as a young police officer, I took joy  in getting to know the community I policed and mentoring the young people who lived in such dangerous neighborhoods. I always knew though, that real true lasting change within the departments occurs in the higher ranks and I always saw myself as being a Chief one day. So I studied and passed two promotional exams and now I am here. The Detective Bureau has been the most rewarding assignment because I get to give some peace to the loved ones of the victims of heinous crimes – just like in Law and Order. I get to play a part in the criminal justice system by taking bad guys off the street and keeping my community that much safer. What could be better than being the real life Law and Order Detective Supervisor?”

Rennae recalls that one of her biggest challenges was the death of her mother.

“My mother died when I was 26. I was there when she was diagnosed with cancer and with the help of my sister and cousin, saw her transition from life to death in 6 months. My mother was and is still my biggest hero in life. My mother raised my sister and I with no help from my father and still pursued her studies while living with my grandmother. My mother always encouraged me to keep my head up and essentially is responsible for my career path. She got to see me graduate from the academy as well as undergrad and grad school but did not get to see me promoted within the NYPD. I think about her every day – I wonder sometimes how she would react or what she would say when I achieve certain milestones. When I bought my first house in Queens I remember her telling me years before she would like me to buy a house one day. When I was in the delivery room with my sister while she was in labor, I was thinking of the moments my mom would beg me to have a child. It was quite difficult navigating 26-32 without her. But I know she is the reason I am here and God did bless me with 26 years with her. So this is to remind everyone that life is short and you are not guaranteed to live til 90 like my grandmother. My mother died at 51 and that really opened my eyes to living each day with purpose since no day is promised”.

Emonews congratulates Rennae Francis who is truly an inspiration as a black, female woman in a male dominated profession.You Rock!