Read Our Employee Interview
Juvenile Justice Spotlight

Antonia Reason
Owner, Founder, & CEO
Agency: Women of Reason, INC
Office Location: Glen Burnie, Maryland
1. First of all, I love the name of your company. Tell us about Women of Reason.
“They are not all juvenile justice or juvenile services people, but I also work with Sheriffs and their deputies. Ultimately, I connected with community partners as well.- My journey into consulting began in 2017, while I was serving as a Superintendent. Entrepreneurship had always been part of who I am, but like many professionals, I wrestled with the idea of stepping away from the security of a steady paycheck. Over time, I realized that purpose often requires courage, and I was ready to lean into mine.
I’ve spent more than 20 years mentoring and developing others, work that I truly love. I saw an opportunity to intentionally combine my passion for uplifting women with my last name—Reason—which represents thoughtful leadership, accountability, and purpose. That vision became Women of Reason.
I started with small contracts and a diverse mix of clients, allowing the work to grow organically. While my foundation is rooted in juvenile justice and youth-serving systems, my reach quickly expanded. I’ve worked with sheriffs, deputies, and multidisciplinary teams, as well as community-based partners who share a commitment to leadership development, compliance, and meaningful system change.”
2. What does a day in the life at work look for you?
“I talk with different people from different agencies, oftentimes asking for advice that will allow me to help them further. I sometimes do one-on-one coaching with administrators. I do a lot of consulting work and am working in New York now. It’s nice to be back home in NY but it’s also a challenge. I’m always up for that. I regularly engage with leaders and professionals across multiple agencies, often serving as a thought partner—listening, asking the right questions, and offering strategic guidance that allows me to support them more effectively.
My work often includes one-on-one coaching with administrators, helping them navigate complex challenges, strengthen their leadership approach, and drive sustainable change within their organizations. I also spend a significant amount of time consulting—assessing operations, advising on best practices, and supporting teams through improvement and transformation efforts.”
3. What gets you most excited during the day?
“To be honest, when I see a change in someone, especially a youth I’m working with. It is so rewarding, especially having come from a similar background. It certainly keeps me going.”
4. What positive changes do you anticipate happening in the next 12 months at Women of Reason?
“God willing, I will expand in New York. If I can go back to where I was born and raised and expand throughout the tri-state area, that would be exciting.”
5. When I say the word, “Mentor”, who is it that you think about, and what is something you were taught that sticks with you today?
“I always think of a coach. Somebody who can take the time to advise you.
Linda McWilliams in particular. When I started my career as a juvenile correction officer, she told me, ‘You’re going to be sitting in my seat one day.’ I thought she was crazy! I was thinking I’d do my 25 years and retire, but she saw more in me. When I hear the word mentor, I immediately think of a coach—someone who takes the time to truly see you, guide you, and challenge you to grow beyond what you believe is possible.
For me, that person is Linda McWilliams. When I began my career as a juvenile correction officer, she said something that has stayed with me to this day: “You’re going to be sitting in my seat one day.” At the time, I honestly thought she was crazy. My plan was simple—I would do my 25 years and retire.
What I didn’t realize then was that she saw something in me long before I could see it in myself. She taught me the power of vision, belief, and intentional leadership. Her confidence in me expanded my own expectations and ultimately shaped the way I now mentor others—by not only supporting where they are, but by helping them see where they can go.
That lesson continues to guide me every day.”
6. What is your one experience that stands out as your favorite or most memorable?
“There are many meaningful moments, but one that stands out occurred early in my career. A sergeant who sat on the panel who hired and mentored me was later called back into service after leaving the department. He had always been supportive of my growth, and I was in a position to help bring him back by offering him an opportunity within the department.
Being able to support someone who once invested in me was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my belief in servant leadership and paying it forward.”
7. Whether it’s a co-worker or young person you work with, what is one consistent piece of advice you find yourself giving others?
"Always be authentic. Be who you are and always be a student. If we can continue to add to our knowledge base, you continue to grow and can be even more authentic. And always listen. When you’re able to accomplish that, you set yourself up for greater success.”
8. From your perspective, how can the current state of Juvenile Justice improve?
“People being receptive to subject matter experts. A lot of time you need that outside eye to help you. It’s about accountability. When people are open to change, they’re better able to grow. Surveys, for example, have always helped me with the youth I work with, as well as with professionals. They’ve helped me to grow.
When you listen to the people you serve, you have to understand they’re telling you the truth, so be open to what is being said.”
9. Who is Antonia when she's away from work?
“When I’m away from work, I’m deeply family oriented. My greatest joy comes from time spent with my husband—whom I’ll be celebrating 20 years of marriage with this Valentine’s Day—and our daughter. Family grounds me and keeps me centered.
I prioritize wellness and enjoy working out, which pairs well with another love of mine—good food. Balance is important to me, and I believe in enjoying life while taking care of the body God has given us.
My faith is also a cornerstone of who I am. As a Christian, my relationship with God guides my values, my decisions, and how I show up for others. And if I’m being honest, a great steakhouse will always bring a smile to my face—it’s one of life’s simple joys.”
