From the Contra Costa News.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, Calif. – December 6, 2024 –  Training Coordinator for the California Association of Probation Institutions Administrators (CAPIA) and dedicated leader within the Contra Costa County Probation Department Malkia Crowder, has been recognized at the 2024 Annual Chief Probation Officers of California Awards Ceremony with the Affiliate Employee of the Year Award.

This prestigious award celebrates Malkia’s exceptional contributions to advancing professional development and fostering a diverse and inclusive community within probation services.

“Malkia’s leadership in our department and in the statewide association of CAPIA has been nothing short of exceptional,” said Esa Ehmen-Krause, Chief Probation Officer for Contra Costa County. “Her ability to inspire, educate, and empower others has greatly enhanced the skills and confidence of those she trains, and her commitment to investing in our justice-involved youth is unmatched.  We are incredibly fortunate to have Malkia in our department and she is well deserving of this statewide recognition.”

Malkia has served on the CAPIA Executive Board for the past five years as the Training Coordinator, bringing impactful training sessions to each conference and elevating the professional development opportunities available to CAPIA members. Her tireless efforts and innovative approach to training have made a lasting impact on the probation field.

Malkia’s leadership and expertise extend beyond CAPIA. With a career that began in January 1999 with the Contra Costa County Probation Department, she has become a sought-after voice on issues such as diversity and inclusion in the workforce. She has led workshops at national conferences, and her thought-provoking article, “Implicit Bias: What is It and Does it Affect Us?”, was featured in American Probation and Parole Perspectives Magazine, further demonstrating her commitment to education and reform.

“Malkia’s dedication, insight, and leadership have not only strengthened CAPIA but also enriched the broader probation profession,” said Kelly Vernon, CPOC President and Tulare County Probation Chief. “Her work exemplifies the values of collaboration, inclusivity, and professional growth that probation professionals strive to uphold.”

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Read the full article here.