Ms. Cunningham began her career trajectory aiming for journalism or acting but pivoted to criminal justice in college, inspired by a roommate’s passion. She obtained her master’s degree in criminal justice and started working in the sheriff’s department in Louisiana before transitioning to supervising individuals on probation and parole in New Orleans. Later, she moved to Texas with her husband, where she continued supervising parolees and eventually became a department director overseeing 2400 employees over twenty years. Upon retiring from the Texas parole system, she attended an APPA training institute where she was encouraged to apply for the executive director position, which she successfully obtained. Her journey reflects a lifelong commitment to community supervision and a belief in continuous learning and development.