Yasmen Barnett, ENP CMCP

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Yasmen was in her junior year at the University of Central Florida summer 2014, studying Criminal Justice, when a classmate in her Psychology class who worked for a local law enforcement agency as a 911 Telecommunicator invited her to sit along on an overnight shift. Fascinated by the work she saw being done, this sparked Yasmen’s interest in 911 and prompted her journey into the industry in which she calls home today. Yasmen began her career in late 2014 as a 911 Telecommunicator at a Central Florida agency, at the age of 19 years old, with the goal of becoming a road deputy. 

Yasmen continued her studies while working a 4 month rotating shift schedule, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Legal Studies in December 2015. Yasmen decided to remain a Telecommunicator and continued her studies, pursuing a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and graduating at the end of 2018.

During this time, Yasmen met her husband Tim, a patrol deputy, while working at her agency. In May 2017, Yasmen decided to pursue a position in management and became an Assistant Squad Leader, working her way to becoming the youngest Communications Supervisor, at the time at 25 years old, in May 2020. Being a new supervisor during COVID was a difficult challenge but one that influenced Yasmen in what her future goals would be. After a difficult first year as a supervisor, in July 2021, Yasmen was afforded the opportunity to attend IAED’s Navigator in Las Vegas where she was able to connect with other members of the 911 industry and see what was outside of her center. This prompted a rejuvenation of excitement of being in 911 and encouraged Yasmen to pursue further ventures outside of the center and outside of her comfort zone. 

Although initially nervous about public speaking, Yasmen decided that she would team up with Erika, who she saw present at Navigator, and they would begin submitting several conference sessions, eventually getting over the fear and looking forward to the speaking engagements. Yasmen decided to submit her first speaking session to IAED’s Navigator in 2022 and was accepted as a speaker. This prompted the follow up of amazing new opportunities including being able to speak at several conferences, both in person and virtual. 

She also took the opportunity to apply to several scholarships which afforded her the opportunity to study and test for her Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification and take the Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP). Yasmen also began to join committees and now sits as the head of the Scholarship and Recognitions Committee for NENA’s Women in 911 and as the co-chair for the FL Events Committee for 911derWomen with Erika. Yasmen was also featured in APCO's Young Professional Spotlight in March 2023 for her work and career development. 

Yasmen decided to pursue a career in the private sector and in August 2022 she transitioned into a new role in the industry. She remains a part-time dispatcher as well for now. On her days off, Yasmen spends time reading, gardening, and awaiting the completion of her new home, coming summer 2023! She and her husband Tim share 2 dogs and a cat and expect to add more new animals to their family soon!

Yasmen hopes she can be an inspiration and mentor to the upcoming young professionals entering the 9-1-1 industry and those entering management early. As a big believer in change, profession, and career development, Yasmen hopes that her story may encourage someone to believe in their own and pursue their wants and dreams! While the journey may be hard, it is not impossible!