From Police Officer to Nonprofit Leader: How One Woman's Career Shift is Transforming Communities

An Omaha woman's journey from law enforcement to nonprofit leadership showcases a powerful career transition driven by a mission to help others. Teresa Negron's story highlights how skills and dedication can bridge different fields to create lasting impact.

Teresa Negron's goal was simple: she just wants to help make things better. As the executive director of YouTurn, a nonprofit entering its 10th year, she works to break the cycle of poverty, reduce violence, and promote safer communities. Her career path demonstrates that meaningful work often stems from a consistent desire to serve.

From Police Work to Community Leadership

Negron's journey began over two decades ago when she joined the Omaha Police Department. In the male-dominated world of law enforcement, she faced challenges but proved herself through hard work. "It was all about even if I could help just one person, made a difference in one person’s life, that’s what it meant to me," Negron said.

Her dedication led her to Omaha's homicide department, where the work became increasingly difficult. "It was hard to see and hard to tell a parent that their child was dead. It was hard to tell somebody who had a loved one that was not going to come home," she shared. This experience tested her resolve but reinforced her commitment to helping others.

A pivotal moment came in December 2007 during the Westroads Mall shooting, where eight people were killed and four others wounded, with the gunman taking his own life. Negron was chosen to communicate with the community and the country about the tragic event. "I needed to make sure that whatever I had to say was accurate and it was informational and it was calming to people, because to me that’s part of law enforcement. We’re not there to create chaos. We’re there to help people understand what’s really happening," she explained.

Transitioning to a New Role

All of that experience led Negron to YouTurn, where she continues her mission to help people, focusing on prevention and support after violence occurs. "Because I want people to understand my role here is not connected to the police department. It’s a connection to the community," she emphasized. This shift highlights how career changes can leverage past expertise in new ways.

Negron is proud of YouTurn's new facility and over three decades of community service. Although she shies away from the spotlight, she recognizes her role as a mentor. "I understand more as I have gotten older of the role, the role of a role model I guess and a mentor, and I just always wanted to help," Negron said. Her story inspires young women and girls, showing that perseverance and a heart for service can lead to impactful careers.

This article illustrates that career transitions are not just about changing jobs but about carrying forward a core mission. Whether in law enforcement or nonprofit leadership, the key is to stay true to your values and use your skills to make a difference.