"As a broadcast journalist covering crime and justice in Washington state, I watched with admiration as trooper Monica Alexander rose through the ranks of the Washington State Patrol, accomplishing what few women, and no African American woman, had ever done in its century of existence: becoming a captain. She didn't get the job because she was black; she got it because she worked hard, worked smart, treated people fairly, fought for what's right, led with integrity, and was open to learning from mistakes-hers and the system's. Monica is tough and sensitive, vocal and receptive. The lessons she's learned in life and law enforcement helped her achieve success and peace-and might help you reach your personal best as well."

- Elisa Jaffe, TV and radio news broadcaster

"I am honored and humbled beyond words to have worked alongside Monica throughout my career as a sergeant with the Washington State Patrol and more recently at the state legislature. Monica is a dedicated, intelligent, and charismatic leader; I have always been proud to have her as a friend."

- Senator John Lovick, former Snohomish County Sheriff, retired Washington State Patrol sergeant

"Immerse yourself in the words and life of Monica, who continually imagines the best version of herself...then gracefully turns it into an unreachable reality. She is blessed by her faith, family values, strength, and dignity-truly her own kind of beautiful. Cherish each moment as she teaches us to become the heroine of our own life story."

- Gina Mosbrucker, Washington State Representative

"Monica saw a broken system that had failed survivors and, being a courageous change agent, she was committed to fixing it. Her dedication was evident in the way she led her work, with clarity, embracing best practices, vision, and heart. She navigated the complex lab system and figured out what needed to change to reach a point where every sexual assault kit could be tested within forty-five days, as required by the legislation we had passed. Facing a journey sure to be filled with hurdles, she worked with the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory, legislators, sexual assault survivors, and community members to make this endeavor possible. Monica was a key partner in making systemic changes to be responsive to survivors and provide them a path to seek justice. Our success is due in large part to her contributions. We could not have accomplished this critical work without her leadership."

- Tina L. Orwall, MSW, Speaker Pro Tempore, Washington State House of Representatives

"(Monica) Alexander is the epitome of compassionate grit, a quality I first experienced during her years of leadership as a Washington State Trooper. This is another vivid display of her unwavering intellect, courage, and commitment in the face of personal challenge."

- Connie Thompson, veteran journalist and consumer advocate