Glenda Cancel ’09

Occupation: 

District Residency and Truant Officer for Lawrence Public Schools; Real Estate Agent, Jason Mitchell Group

What initially inspired you to attend NECC? Where were you on your professional/personal journey prior to enrolling?

I enrolled at NECC just before graduating high school at 17. My passion for basketball drew me there since it was the only local college with a women’s basketball program. As a teen mother to a one-year-old at the time, staying close to home was crucial so I could balance parenting with my education. NECC offered the right environment to pursue both my academic and athletic goals during this important time in my life.

In what ways has NECC helped you on your educational and professional path?

My career has been guided by purpose and resilience, rooted in my education at NECC. After earning my criminal justice degree, I pursued law enforcement, serving 12 years as a Correction Officer, Deputy Sheriff, and Reserve Police Officer. Today, I work as the District Residency and Truant Officer for Lawrence Public Schools, supporting students and families to ensure stable educational access. Alongside this, I also dedicate myself full-time to my real estate career, where I help clients navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives. Both roles reflect my commitment to community service and mentorship.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

My typical day is busy and rewarding. By day, I serve as the District Residency and Truant Officer for Lawrence Public Schools, working with students, families, and community partners to address attendance and residency issues. In the evenings, I focus on my real estate career, helping clients buy, sell, and rent homes. With my children grown and serving in the U.S. Air Force, I’m grateful to fully dedicate myself to both roles and continue serving my community.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

What I enjoy most about my work is making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. In education, I help remove barriers so students can succeed. In real estate, I guide clients through important decisions like buying or selling a home. Both roles allow me to build trust, connect with people, and positively impact my community.

Anything else you’d like our audiences to know about you?

If there’s one thing I’d like audiences to know about me, it’s that my passion for basketball and the love and support of my family have been the driving forces behind my journey. The discipline and community I found through basketball, and especially being part of the 2000-2001 women’s basketball team inducted into the NECC Hall of Fame, have shaped who I am. As an honored alumna, I’m grateful for the strength my children gave me, especially as a young mother, to pursue my goals with determination.

Each month, the NECC Alumni Office shares interviews with our accomplished graduate population through its alumni newsletter. If you have a story to share and would like to be considered for a future edition, please fill in an Alumni Update Form or email alumni@necc.mass.edu.