L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence) is proud to announce that Chief Natashea Brown has been honored as the 2025 Mississippi Instructor of the Year. This prestigious recognition celebrates her outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions to the L.E.A.D. Program.
Chief Brown’s dedication, hard work, and leadership have set her apart as an exceptional role model and a true inspiration to those around her. Her commitment to educating and empowering Columbus’ youth has made a significant impact on her community, reinforcing the mission of L.E.A.D. to create safer and healthier environments for students.
The award ceremony will take place on Monday, March 31, 2025, during the 2025 L.E.A.D. 10th Annual 21st Century Drug and Violence Prevention Training Conference. The conference, scheduled from March 30 to April 1, 2025, will be held at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. This event will bring together law enforcement officers, educators, and community leaders from across the country to collaborate on strategies for drug and violence prevention.
L.E.A.D. and CMSD extend their heartfelt congratulations to Natashea Brown for this well-deserved honor. Her dedication to shaping the lives of young individuals and strengthening community relationships exemplifies the core values of the L.E.A.D. Program. We look forward to celebrating this remarkable achievement with her, alongside her peers and esteemed colleagues.
Natashea Brown, the chief of police for Columbus Municipal School District, started teaching the 10-week L.E.A.D program this school year. L.E.A.D. is a national nonprofit focused on educating students about the dangers of drugs and violence. In Columbus, the program is offered to ninth through twelfth graders at Columbus High School, as well as fifth and sixth graders at Columbus Middle School and Columbus Success Academy. Chief Brown received specialized training to teach the program, which includes lessons on drug and violence prevention, as well as skills for communication and conflict resolution.
Chief Brown values the program's adaptable curriculum, noting how it is tailored to different age groups, ensuring the content is appropriate for each grade level. She is especially excited about engaging with students and observing the positive impact the program has on their lives, helping them not only become better students but also responsible citizens. She believes L.E.A.D. has been instrumental in breaking down barriers between law enforcement and the community in Columbus, MS.
Congratulations Chief!