Duluth Women’s Expo: DHS aims to bring more women into law enforcement

Women from around the Twin Ports gathered together to celebrate each other and check out the more than 100 vendors, at the 14th annual Women’s Expo at the DECC.

“It’s a great day for women to come down and see a bunch of local businesses,” said Kynze Lundeen, an organizer for the Women’s Expo. We have 30 craft to market vendors in Pioneer Hall, a fashion show at one o’clock, build your own bloody mary and mimosa bar, and we have seminars happening all day today.”

Those in attendance have the opportunity to purchase products from vendors, speak directly to organizations or even to spend time with friends.

“I am really excited because I don’t get a lot of opportunities to meet up with my girlfriends but I find those relationships very precious and important to me,” said Kimberly Radloff.

Many vendors attending the expo are interested in hiring more women.

“We want women and girls to know we want them,” said Mary Hogan, Communications Officer with the Department of Homeland Security.

DHS is trying to increase the number of women in law enforcement, who currently only make up about 12 percent of the workforce.

“We want women and girls and young girls to know that law enforcement is a good career option,” said Hogan.

Opportunities with DHS range from front line investigations to clerical work, as well as careers in HR and IT.

The Department of Homeland Security is hoping for women to make up 30 percent of the law enforcement workforce by 2030.