Politics

Sheriff hires first Latino liaison

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 14, 2019

Sheriff Lowell Griffin has hired Stephanie Barbosa as the department's first Liaison Outreach Coordinator, a post that will focus on building and improving communications through community outreach in Henderson County. 

Born in Mexico City, Mexico, Barbosa moved with her family to the U.S. at one year of age, when her parents made the decision to migrate in order to provide a lifestyle and opportunities for their baby that they would not be able to provide in Mexico.

Barbosa was enrolled in Immaculata Catholic School, where she learned English. She later graduated from Immaculata and attended Hendersonville High School. Despite the challenges she had, she graduated from high school and achieved one of her dreams of becoming a U.S citizen. After graduation, she began working for a local attorney as a secretary/translator. There, she was introduced to the judicial system, and later was offered a job at the District Attorney’s Office. Stephanie comes to the sheriff's office after serving most recently as a Victim Witness Coordinator and Criminal Judicial Management assistant (CJM) in the District Attorney’s office.

As liaison outreach oordinator, Barbosa aims to build relationships and foster a mutual bond with the community. She plans to maintain a community alliance and partnership by participating in community events and by helping the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office to overcome the cultural and language barriers in our community.