Kean University Criminal Justice Graduate Achieves Milestones in Port Authority Police Department

Priscilla Sanchez-Gonzalez grew up in neighborhoods plagued by violence and crime, inspiring her to become part of the solution.

As a child, she watched police officers work and told herself, “Someday, that’s going to be me.”

Raised in Passaic and now residing in Middlesex County, Sanchez-Gonzalez earned her B.A. in criminal justice from Kean University in 2013. She went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2022, graduating with a 4.0 GPA.

For the past decade, she has risen through the ranks of the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) of New York and New Jersey, whose mission is to secure critical infrastructure across New York and New Jersey, protecting thousands of employees and millions of commuters, passengers and visitors using key transportation links.

Last year, Sanchez-Gonzalez was promoted to captain of Staten Island Bridges, making history as the department’s first female captain of Hispanic descent.

“Our department helps people in two states across 13 facilities via sea, air, land and rail,” Sanchez-Gonzalez said. “I make sure our officers are appropriately trained and assigned so they can keep our bridges secure and respond during emergencies. I love making a positive impact on multiple communities.”

Sanchez-Gonzalez has reached several significant milestones in her career. She was one of the first four women to serve in the department’s Honor Guard and was deployed to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria as part of the PAPD’s first operation beyond its own region. In 2020, she became the first female sergeant to oversee the Special Services Unit.

“It's humbling to think about where I started and how far I’ve gotten,” she said. “It’s rewarding to leave a historic legacy, and I hope it inspires both men and women to strive for more.” In an agency post, Police Chief Gloria Frank called Sanchez-Gonzalez “a champion for women in law enforcement” and said that “her leadership inspires us and highlights our commitment to empowering individuals from every background.”

Sanchez-Gonzalez also left her mark at Kean University, where she met her husband, Nicholas Gonzalez. She founded the American Sign Language Club and was part of the first student delegation sent to the campus of Wenzhou-Kean University in China to advise on extracurricular activities. Additionally, she completed an internship with the Stationhouse Adjustment program, an early intervention initiative run by Passaic law enforcement to support juvenile offenders.

“Priscilla was an exceptional student leader whose dedication to Kean University was truly inspiring,” said Sandra Espinal, director of the Center for Leadership and Service at Kean. “She brought awareness to important causes and fostered a sense of community among her peers. As a professional, she continues to lead with the same energy, commitment and compassion.”

Although Sanchez-Gonzalez initially considered following her brother into the military, he encouraged her to try college first. That launched her journey as a first-generation college student –– one she plans to continue by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language.

Sanchez-Gonzalez credits much of her success to her parents. Her mother, a factory worker, taught her to never give up, while her father, who lives in the Dominican Republic, taught her Spanish and provided unconditional support. Now, she wants to be a good role model for her three young sons.

“I’m molding our kids to be disciplined, focused, fair and respectful,” she said. “I want to make them realize the value of hard work and that things are earned and not given.”

Sanchez-Gonzalez also remains committed to giving back to students at her alma mater. She currently mentors Breanna Hernandez, Kean’s coordinator of new alumni and student engagement.

“Seeing her manage a family, school and life while pursuing her master’s degree made me believe I could complete mine,” said Hernandez, who met Sanchez-Gonzalez through the Lambda Tau Omega sorority. “She always makes sure I know I’m not alone and that I can do anything I put my mind to.”