Season 4 Episode 1: Rosie Cordero-Stutz, The First Latina Sheriff in Florida

Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz made history in January 2025 as the first Hispanic American woman elected sheriff in Florida and the first female sheriff of Miami-Dade County. A 29-year law enforcement veteran, she began her career with the Miami-Dade Police Department in 1996, rising through the ranks to Assistant Director before being elected Sheriff in 2024. She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Florida International University, a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Marist College, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the FBI National Executive Institute. Sheriff Cordero-Stutz has been recognized for her leadership and commitment to public safety, including being named Dominican Law Enforcement Officers of Florida’s Woman of the Year.

Education:
Master’s Degree, Public Administration, Florida International University; Bachelor of Science Degree, Criminal Justice, Marist College; Completed the Executive Leadership Program; the FBI National Academy, Session 265; Police Chiefs STARS Program; Police Executive Leadership Institute (PELI); and the FBI National Executive Institute for Leadership, Session 46.

Career:
Miami-Dade Police Department, 1996; Appointed to Assistant Director, 2022; to Police Division Chief, 2020; to Police Major, 2013; promoted to Police Lieutenant, 2008; to Police Sergeant, 2005; graduated from police academy as Police Officer, 1996. Served the community without interruption with great distinction in a variety of assignments, amassing vast experience in police operations, investigations, supervision, management, and administration. Elected Sheriff, 2024.

Honors and Affiliations:
Dominican Law Enforcement Officers of Florida – Woman of the Year, 2024 and 2021; 2024 – Florida FBI National Academy Associates, current President; Miami-Dade Association of Chiefs of Police, Awards Committee Member; Hispanic Police Officers Association, Member for over 22 years; Regional Community Collaboration Against Violence, Co-chair; 2022 – Crime Prevention Alliance of Florida, recognition award; South Florida Shomrim Society, special recognition.