FBI Norfolk Announces Award Recipient

Special Agent in Charge Alex J. Turner of the Norfolk Field Office of the FBI announced his selection of Ms. Gloria Morales as the local recipient of the FBI’s 2010 Director’s Community Leadership Award for her commitment to positive community relations.

Ms. Morales, born and raised in Colombia, immigrated to the United States in 1999. Subsequent to her arrival, she successfully mastered the English language and learned about the culture of the United States. She later became involved with the Refugee and Resettlement Organization in Richmond, Virginia, where she sought to help other Hispanics assimilate into the community.

In 2006, Ms. Morales was hired as the Coordinator of the Network for Latino People (NFLP), a program of Child Development Resources (CDR) in Williamsburg, Virginia. At that time, NFLP was a community coalition comprised of only 29 member organizations. As a result of her commitment and dedication, Ms. Morales' efforts resulted in nearly doubling the coalition to 59 agencies that represent law enforcement, immigration, civic, and education; all which serve to identify and support the needs of the Spanish-speaking population in the Williamsburg area.

Ms. Morales’ strong involvement with CDR and her achievements in developing violence prevention programs and materials to educate the Latino population, demonstrate her true commitment to working with disadvantaged youth and adults. Her work as a liaison between public safety officials and Hispanics continues to improve communication and prevent misconceptions. Most recently, Ms. Morales established the Community and Medical Interpretation Service as a viable and sustainable program.

Ms. Morales will be formally presented with the award on Friday, October 15, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at the office of the Norfolk FBI located at 150 Corporate Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23502.

Members of the press and media are invited to attend.