“No Regrets”
The goal of the San Diego Police Foundation is to create a safer San Diego for all who live, work, and play here. Supported by community contributions since 1998, the San Diego Police Foundation funds equipment, training, and outreach programs vital to our communities. Women in Blue was created to promote diversity and elevate inclusion by recognizing the achievements of female leaders in the public safety sector. Since the initiative’s inception, SDPD has increased the number of female sworn personnel to nearly 17%, exceeding the national average of 13%. Denise Friedman, Board Member & Women in Blue Executive Cabinet Member, recently gave $50,000 to the San Diego Police Foundation to enhance SDPD’s community programs.
#1 My father was a career Navy pilot, so we moved every 18 months. By age 14, I had moved nine times, but San Diego was always home. I now live in the home my parents purchased in 1945.
#2 I cannot get enough of Italy. The history, the culture, and of course the food.
#3 Denise Friedman would love to spend next fall in Nova Scotia and Quebec. My grandparents were born in Quebec, and there are many Ouellettes still there.
#4 I prefer reading history and historical fiction. Too many people no longer know the history of our own country. History matters.
#5 I love movies, but my passion is live theatre. My favorite play is “Phantom of the Opera.”
#6 I have a 13-year-old goldendoodle, Willie. She loves to give back too and has served as a therapy dog, particularly with seniors.
#7 My husband, William F. Friedman, M.D., passed away 20 years ago and still continues to inspire me. I thank him every day for supporting my curiosity and encouraging me to discover and learn new things. For 30 years, I focused on medicine and research, which led me to found a Pediatric Research Fellowship in his name at UCLA. Now my focus is on community and public safety.
#8 My parents were my first models for community service. I continue in their memory.
#9 My work with the San Diego Police Foundation began as a member of the Pacific Beach Town Council and my leadership with PAESAN. That is how I first met then Captain, now Chief of Police Scott Wahl and the Foundation’s President & CEO, Sara Napoli.
#10 The Women in Blue initiative provides funding for training, mentoring, collaboration, and networking opportunities for rising female leaders in law enforcement. Proceeds from the Women in Blue luncheon propels the mission of the San Diego Police Foundation, which includes support for SDPD’s peer mentoring program, the Women’s Leadership Conference, efforts to recruit more females to the ranks of SDPD, as well as scholarships to empower officers and inspire the next generation of women in blue.
San Diego Police Foundation
15th Annual Women in Blue Luncheon: Heart of Service
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
1 Market Place, San Diego
