Today we’d like to introduce you to Selina Hightower. Them and their team share their story with us below:
A native South Floridian, Selina Hightower recently retired from the Hollywood (FL) Police Department on June 15, 2022, after 24 years of service. While there, Selina made history, becoming Hollywood Police Department’s first black female Sergeant and Lieutenant.
During her twenty-four years of service, she was assigned to the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Special Operations Division, Street Crimes Unit, Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics Unit, Public Affairs and Youth Services Unit. While on duty (in uniform) and on her own time, Selina always had a passion for giving back and serving her community.
She participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County “Bigs in Blue”, where she mentored a ten-year-old girl. Bigs in Blue is a one-to-one mentoring program that connects youth with police in communities throughout the nation, building strong, trusting, and lasting relationships.
Even after retiring, Selina remains active and involved in the community. She recently became a volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Selina is a “Wish Granter” where she meets with wish kids and their families and helps children determine a wish.
Selina is on the Executive Board of Vision of Images, Inc. Visions of Images is a non-profit organization founded by Felicia M. Brunson, Mayor of West Park. The organization focuses on two programs; Precision Girls Mentoring, a female personal development mentoring program that targets young girls, ages 7-18, and Aged With Dignity, a program providing senior citizens a means to socialize, and interact, while remaining healthy and active, through programs, activities, and services.
In true fashion in alignment with her personal values, every Tuesday, you can find Selina volunteering at McTyre Park, serving the seniors a hot breakfast. In 2015, Selina was selected by Legacy Magazine as one of “South Florida’s Most Prominent and Influential Women in Business and Industry.” In 2016, she was honored by the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County as one of the “100 Outstanding Women in Broward County”.
Along with her best friend Nicole Minnis, Selina is the co-founder of Divas Do, a social and travel group consisting of women who are professional, educated, and passionate about being of service and giving back to their respective communities.
The women of Divas Do are pillars within their community, who are role models for young girls and women. They share a great love of traveling and experiencing new things and ventures. Divas Do also focuses on self-care, mental wellness and are “inspiring women to live fearlessly”.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
In a male-dominated field, there have always been struggles and challenges. From being overlooked for promotion, having to work ten times harder, to dealing with the mistrust and negative views from society. Even still, my passion and love for serving the community has been constant. With much prayer and continuous support from my family, friends, and mentors, I have persevered.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Now RETIRED from law enforcement, I am transitioning those specified talents and skills into my non-profit work and supporting the vision of my clients. What people don’t know about me is that I LOVE event planning, managing political campaigns and social media management. I love to travel and create experiences for other women that they wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. I love giving back to the next generation and mentoring. I enjoy the time I get to spend with youth and seniors in the various volunteer work that I do.
I am looking forward to where this next phase of my life takes me, but what I am learning is to take those skills that made me a great law enforcement leader and transfer them to more of the things and places I am passionate about. Be sure to follow me on LinkedIn ! I have learned that I am not limited to the titles that I have held and my past accomplishments. There is still a lot of life to live and a lot of lives to impact. I am rebranding myself and having a ton of fun doing it! It is never too late to start over and to pursue what sets your soul on fire. For in that place, is where you change the world! I am a world changer.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I come from a large close-knit family. Though being an only child, I have a lot of cousins and friends. My favorite childhood memory is sharing birthdays, and holidays, specifically Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family… and the big dinners and all the food prepared by family members. Gathering at the dinner table, eating, laughing, and having a great time!
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Divas Do – https://www.
facebook.com/profile.php?id= 100064304636929 - Instagram: Divas Do – https://instagram.
com/divas_do?igshid= YmMyMTA2M2Y= - LinkedIn: https://www.
linkedin.com/in/selina- hightower-4696a385
