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by: Zhané Caldwell

Posted: Mar 27, 2024 / 07:02 PM EDT

Updated: Mar 27, 2024 / 07:51 PM EDT

NEW YORK (PIX11) — In a field traditionally dominated by men, women are blazing a trail within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“For some people it’s a job,” said Ayesha Winston, group supervisor of the joint robbery task force known as the Strategic Pattern Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension Group (SPARTA). “For me it’s a calling. I really enjoy what I do.”

Winston is a seasoned veteran with two decades of service in the ATF, serving as the driving force behind SPARTA. As the group supervisor overseeing ATF agents and NYPD detectives, she leads a relentless pursuit of criminals who commit armed robbery — working tirelessly to ensure justice is served and communities are kept safe.

“Gun violence has affected my life and my family’s life deeply and so it’s important that people that have guns that shouldn’t have them, especially those that are committing robberies, are found and that they can’t do that again,” Winston said.

Regina Lombardo is the former ATF director who broke barriers as the first woman ever to run the federal bureau. Her tenure was not just a milestone in her career but a landmark moment for gender representation in one of the highest ranks of federal law enforcement.

“We bring a different perspective to the table,” said Lombardi. “I always say that we bring a level of — I lead with compassion, with empathy. Really having that balance and I think women bring that to the table. Especially the women in ATF.”

Lombardo’s unwavering dedication to fighting crime helped the bureau recover 156 firearms from 2017 to 2021.

Tackling crime does not come easy, however. One special agent had to remain anonymous due to the nature of the work she does dealing with violent cases. As one of the women in the ATF making strides in the industry, she’s hoping to be an inspiration to women everywhere.

“I hope other women that are interested, or have any desire to continue, know that they can do it,” the special agent said.

The ATF is a federal law enforcement agency founded in 1972 to protect communities from violent criminals, illegal weapons, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products.

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