Network Connections
WLI Mentees are afforded the unique opportunity to engage with seasoned professionals who embody the careers and lifestyles they dream of pursuing. These interactions often serve as eye-opening experiences, revealing a wealth of new possibilities and insights. For many mentees, these encounters not only broaden their horizons but also reinforce their commitment to the paths they have already chosen.
Jaydian Montroy
Meets with Conservation Police Officers, Amanda McKune, Cory Landon and Ralph Sievers.
As often as we are able to, we try to connect our mentees with professional women in their fields of interest.
Our Mentee pictured right Jaydian Montroy is a Junior at Red Bud High School and has expressed an interest in becoming a Conservation Police Officer. We were able to locate a female officer in our district who agreed to speak to Jaydian.
Amanda McKune (Pictured Left) is a Conservation Police Officer (CPO) in our district. Her territory is St. Clair County, although Amanda is often called to the surrounding counties to assist.
Amanda was named Officer of the Year in 2022. She started her career after college, working at the St Louis Zoo as a biologist. She became interested in the IDNR (Illinois Department of Resources) Conservation Police program. She went through the Illinois State Police Academy prior to applying to become a CPO. After the academy, it took a year for her to traverse the IDNR hiring process and secure employment with them. She has now been in the program for 4 years and loves her job. She works very hard and has the flexibility to have the work-life balance she prefers.
She advised Jaydian that it would be best to obtain her Bachelor's Degree before she goes to the academy. She also suggested that she apply for a mentorship summer program with IDNR, for an opportunity to ride along with the CPO. She provided Jaydian with her contact information and the information of the Randolph County CPO for additional guidance.
Pictured Left to Right ) Cory Landon, Jaydian Montroy, and Ralph Sievers are in our district. Ralph’s territory is Randolph County and often called to the surrounding areas to assist.
Ralph has been a CPO for almost 25 years. He is currently training CPO Landon who has approximately 4 years of experience including his time on the Police Force. Ralph started his career after college and has had the opportunity to work in many areas of discipline in the IDNR (Illinois Department of Resources) Conservation Police program. He went through the Illinois State Police Academy prior to applying to become a CPO.
He made Jaydian aware of many of the possible areas she would be exposed to as a CPO. That they are more than wildlife and nature protection. On occasion, they are responsible for traffic safety, criminal apprehension, and life-saving
He also advised Jaydian that it would be best to obtain her Bachelor's Degree before she goes to the academy. He said he would be able to help her apply for a mentorship summer program with IDNR, for an opportunity to ride along with the CPO.
