Being a woman in the male-dominated criminal justice field has never been easy. But that changed when Deirdre Battaglia stepped in as warden of Statesville Prison.

Battaglia, a 1975 NIU graduate, spoke Tuesday night as part of NIU’s third annual Sociology Week. Her experiences in criminal justice and what it is like to be a woman in a male-dominated field were the topics of her discussion.

“I always felt like I had to make it for the people that came behind me,” Battaglia said. “I am the pioneer for now and I need to succeed so I can pave the way for those in the future.”

After graduating, Battaglia knew she wanted to deal with socially and economically deprived people. This led her to a career in prisons and security units across the state, including Dwight and Statesville.

After nearly 30 years in the criminal justice field, Battaglia was offered a job that had never been offered to a female before: warden of maximum-security unit.

She became the first female warden in a men’s maximum-security unit in the state of Illinois.

“It’s been a unique experience for me,” Battaglia said. “I have a great passion for what I do.”

Students attending Battaglia’s speech agreed.

“I enjoyed hearing her speak; it was very encouraging,” senior sociology major Deanin Rivera said. “Being a minority, especially a female minority, it gives me hope in the field of corrections,” Rivera said.

Others enjoyed the sense of passion Battaglia shared with students in the room.

“She showed a lot of passion, which is something that is lacking in the field of corrections,” junior sociology major Jordan Henderson said.

Battaglia encouraged students to show a passion for what they do.

“Even if you fail, if your heart is in the right place, people will understand you and you will succeed,” Battaglia said.