Katrina Brownlee grew up in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, New York and she herself was an at-risk youth. She became a mother at the early age of fourteen. When she was twenty-two years old she was shot 10 times in a violent domestic relationship that left her paralyzed. Several surgeries later she had to relearn to walk. After this traumatic experience her challenges did not end, she and her children became homeless.

Brownlee worked to overcome the obstacles of her troubled past and she triumphed. She attended the College of New Rochelle. Upon completion, and after surviving an attempted murder on her life by her then fiancé that worked in law enforcement, she made the heroic decision to join the New York City Police Department (NYPD). She started out as a traffic agent and worked diligently to be promoted to police officer and from there she quickly climbed the ranks.

Brownlee made detective third grade, detective second grade, and then detective first grade, which is the highest-ranking detective in the NYPD. While a detective, Brownlee used all the skills she developed over the years to work undercover for five years. She later spent years as an investigator. Following her work in investigations, she worked in the Department of Community Affairs. Brownlee subsequently received the opportunity to work security detail for Mayor Bill de Blasio. During this time, she received a 5.0 evaluation, which is the highest evaluation that a police officer can receive in the NYPD. She received many accolades for her outstanding performance and accomplishments.

Brownlee has been mentoring since 2012. She has helped many at-risk young ladies during this time. She deemed it time to take her work one step further and started Young Ladies of Our Future 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to fulfill her calling as a mentor and life coach. The organization's mission, “through healing the wounds of interpersonal violence, building self-esteem, and promoting health and wellness, these young ladies can achieve their goals and live successful lives.” She is also working to grow the Katrina Cooke Brownlee charity. She recently wrote her memoir, “And Then Came The Blues.”

Police, Overcoming Adversity, Health, Heroes, Women, Female Leadership, Empowerment, Influential Women, Inspirational, Domestic Violence, Black Heritage, Motivational, Diversity & Inclusion, African-American Women, Youth Development Youth,