The 47th Precinct Community Council held a meeting on Wednesday to not only update the community on the crime report, but also honor three women in the NYPD for their service.

Officer Erneliz Gill works with kids and teenagers in the 47th Precinct and has been with the NYPD for three years. Officer Maria Garcia and Sgt. Denia Roberts were also honored.

Roberts’ parents immigrated from Jamaica when she was 15. She says she wanted a career in law enforcement from an early age and worked through the challenges.

“Entering the police force as a woman, particularly a woman of color, was an uphill battle, I was met with skepticism & doubted at every corner,” said Roberts.

City data shows that women make up 21% of the police force, and these three women are working to raise that percentage and inspire other women to join law enforcement.