[PROFILE] In 25 Words or Less: Jennifer Madden (Candidate)

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In 25 Words or Less
Posted: March 7, 2016
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THE BASICS
Name: Jennifer Madden | ||
Age: 40s • Status: Single • Kids: No | ||
Place of Birth: Ohio • Raised: Clovis, CA | ||
Professional Background: I am an attorney who currently heads the Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit at the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. I supervise a trial team and train law enforcement and educate the public about Human Trafficking and how to best serve victims of this epidemic. | ||
What achievement or position are you most known for? To date, it is making the decision to run for a position of Judge on the Alameda County Superior Court. | ||
Contact/Follow: Website • Email • Facebook • Twitter | ||
Editor’s Note: Jennifer is currently a candidate for Judge – Alameda County Superior Court. | ||
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25 WORDS OR LESS: WORK
Job(s) held that is most unlike what I currently do now: Serving food in the dorm cafeteria at Cal; selling toy airplanes in the mall as a teenager. | ||
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Field: Law, specifically criminal prosecution | ||
Title: Assistant District Attorney | ||
Yrs of Experience: 18 | ||
Company: Alameda County District Attorney’s Office – Alameda County, CA | ||
What it does and what I do: We charge and prosecutes criminal cases within Alameda County. I head the team who prosecuted those who exploit victims by way of Human Trafficking. | ||
Current Big Project: We are working on reducing the demand for commercial sex by 20% in 2 years. | ||
Staffing/Resource Needs: We are looking for students for our summer fellowship program. Apply at www.HEAT-watch.org. | ||
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Organizations: Charles Houston Bar Association, California Association of Black Lawyers. | ||
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25 WORDS OR LESS: PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Significant Challenge: There isn’t enough time to do everything that must be done. I am constantly reprioritizing work and making sure that my internal deadlines make sense. | ||
Significant Mistake/Regret: I should have gotten an MBA while I was in law school. I didn’t want to be an additional year as a student. | ||
Significant Accomplishment: I am very proud of the programs I helped to establish for girls who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation. |
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Biggest Strength(s): I am good at working collaboratively and I am passionate about my work. | ||
Biggest Weakness(es): Sometimes I work too much…is that a weakness?? | ||
Career Advice: Find work for which you are passionate. That is the best advice that I could give anyone…oh, and have good mentors. | ||
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25 WORDS OR LESS: PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Significant Challenge: I am currently running for a seat as Judge on the Alameda County Superior Court. Running a campaign while working full-time is intense. | ||
Significant Accomplishment: Being able to construct a life that brings me a lot of joy and fulfillment. I genuinely treasure every day! |
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Life Advice: Find friends who support your dreams and do not let others stifle your dreams and aspirations. Go for it! | ||
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25 WORDS OR LESS: OFF THE TOP
Trait(s) most admired in others: Loyalty and a good sense of humor. |
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Some causes/organizations I support: The Charlotte Maxwell Clinic, which supports low-income women with cancer and Habitat for Humanity. | ||
Hours of “personal” downtime/week: 21 | ||
Favorite activity(s) in my personal downtime: Eating out and travel. |
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Some of my favorite local hangouts: Ozumo, any place with a good burger and the Claremont (old version). | ||
Some of my favorite TV shows: Anything on Bravo and anything related to crime. |
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Favorite Vacation Spot(s): Paris, Dubai and any place with a warm beach. | ||
Place(s) I would like to visit: Japan, South Africa, Ghana and Thailand. | ||
Favorite Pastime/Hobby(s): Travel, travel, travel. | ||
Favorite Book(s): The Catcher in the Rye, The Color Purple and anything written by James Patterson. | ||
Some of my most-admired people (excluding parents): Anyone who defied the odds and did it, when everyone said that it wasn’t possible. | ||
Something about me that may surprise you: One day I would like to move to a farm and have a lot of exotic animals. |