Interview - Fermata Discovery

Choreographing Justice: Doris Garcia Smith’s Journey from Dance to Law Enforcement

Doris’s journey is one of remarkable versatility and dedication, bridging the ethereal world of ballet and the disciplined demands of law enforcement. From honing her craft at Juilliard and the School of American Ballet to serving her community as part of the NYPD and FBI, she embodies resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to making a difference. In this candid interview, she shares how her early training in the arts shaped her approach to her career in law enforcement, her perspective on teamwork and discipline, and the wisdom she’s gained from navigating two vastly different yet equally demanding professions. Can you

Strengthening the Line: Steve Cashen on Service, Leadership and Legacy

Steve Cashen’s resume would induce awe from even its most seasoned readers. His path encapsulates everything the Fermata Insights Series strives to capture within the stories of others and stands as a testament and a celebration—not only of heroism in feat, but also in character. In an age where self-promotion and the quest for validation have set a new collective standard, the art of the quiet homage has seemingly faded from view. In many respects, Cashen’s story is that of a clandestine artisan’s, whose larger-than-life performance and unwavering commitment to excellence serve as a reminder of the extraordinary, selfless and

From Assistant to Advocate: Allison Guerra’s Inspiring Role in the Mission to End Family Violence

Allison Guerra, Director of the Battering Intervention and Prevention (BIP) Program at AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse), is committed to transforming lives by addressing family violence at its core. In her dialogue with Fermata Insights, she shares insights into AVDA’s impactful work, from providing support for both survivors and perpetrators to engaging in youth and community outreach. With a background in counseling and a journey that began as a part-time assistant, Allison now leads a program focused on rehabilitating domestic violence offenders, highlighting the importance of empathy, accountability, and dedicated support systems in fostering lasting change. Can you

Kindred Spirits in Justice: The Personal Philosophy of Detective Fil Waters

M. F. “Fil” Waters II, a retired Houston Police Department Homicide Detective with over three decades of dedicated service, exemplifies a journey grounded in empathy, objectivity, and faith. His career, driven by an unwavering sense of calling and commitment to uncovering the truth, showcases his process in conducting interviews, as well as the underlying philosophy he continues to share with students. Transitioning from public service to private investigations, Waters has continued to impact lives, carrying forward his values and expertise into Kindred Spirits Investigations. His insights offer a profound glimpse into the challenges, nuances, and deeply human side of law

Face-to-Face: Sam & Amira Davis on Meaningful Dialogues that Help Inspire Change

In a world where safety and leadership are becoming increasingly intertwined, D5 Consulting has carved out a unique niche in providing workplace violence training, leadership development, and cultural competency. Sam and Amira Davis—notably partners in life as well as business—founded D5 in 2019 and have led its evolution from offering specialized training to empowering organizations to foster meaningful conversations that lead to transformative change. With backgrounds in law enforcement, education, marketing and sales, Sam and Amira bring a blend of expertise and passion to serve a diverse range of audiences—corporate teams to incarcerated individuals. Can you tell us a

Unleashing Superpowers: Whitney Sich on Advocating for Families of the Missing

In a world where stories of missing persons often fade with time, Whitney Sich’s relentless dedication to advocacy has brought hope and action to countless families. As the founder of “A Voice for the Voiceless,” Sich’s journey was born from a desire to help others. Her work started with a single act of sharing a missing child’s flyer online, which later evolved into a full-fledged mission to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public. With a deep commitment to serving families and an unwavering belief that everyone has a role to play, Sich’s work gives a voice to

Notes to Nodes: Harmonizing Hidden Connections Between

From concert halls across the world to the cutting-edge labs of MIT, Amanda von Goetz has carved a path that many might find unconventional—transforming from a musician deeply immersed in the romantic nuances of Russian music and language to a tech innovator whose company, Fermata Discovery, is now revolutionizing how law enforcement works critical cases. In this interview, Amanda shares how the structured yet creative worlds of music, language, and technology intersected to inspire her journey, shape her view of leadership and innovation, and drive her mission to use technology for meaningful impact and change. What inspired your transition from

Contemporary Polymath: New North Ventures Partner, Stephanie Bellistri, On The Path of Eternal Learning

Rare is the opportunity to ask a former CIA executive — turned private sector business strategist, turned venture capital partner — anything that might exist at the fore of inquiring minds. Fermata Insights had just that chance when we sat down with Stephanie Bellistri, formerly of the CIA and Palantir, currently serving as General Partner at New North Ventures. Bellistri, consummate dynamo, thoughtful leader and eternally committed student, shared on everything from recruiting to the CIA, to the evolution of technologies during her tenure in government, and what she would tell new-generation aspirants considering the pursuit of a future in

The Rise of the Contemporary Investigator: Maria Thomas on the Thrill of the Find

Historical incarnations of the role of “the investigator” might conjure images of Sherlock, Hercule or Nancy – the classic gumshoe lurking in the shadows, quietly assembling the pieces of some iconic mystery. But what does that role look like today, several leaps into the 21st century and seven decades deep in the Information Age? New-generation investigators and analysts have never known a world without social media. Have processes evolved accordingly? Maria Thomas, Lead Investigator at Unit 221B, sat down with Fermata Insights to answer some of these questions, communicate hopes for the larger industry, and share on the raw thrill