Lewis Alumna Feature: Gretchen Chavez ’09

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It takes a unique individual, passionate about justice and public service, to be both a Chicago Police Officer and a Real Estate Lawyer. But if there is one thing we know, it’s that a Lewis Flyer can get the job done!

Gretchen Chavez ’09 is originally from the South Side of Chicago in Beverly. Growing up, Gretchen always knew that she wanted more than the typical 9-5 desk job – which is why the idea of working for a police department seemed like the perfect fit.

It wasn’t long after she pursued a bachelor’s degree at Columbia College Chicago and began working for the Chicago Police Department, that she chose to earn an advanced degree at Lewis. Gretchen continued to work full time as she dove into her schoolwork, and two short years later, she earned her master’s degree in Criminal Justice.

For the past 16 years, Gretchen has served as a Chicago Police Officer assigned to the Marine Unit. Her specialization is in rescue diving, but she also assists the department with evidence recovery, searches, boating enforcement and more.

“Sometimes, people don’t like or appreciate you because you wear the uniform, but my favorite part of law enforcement is the appreciation I receive from the public when I help them through rough moments of their life,” said Gretchen.  

Gretchen attributes a lot of her success to her time at Lewis, which allowed her to understand the balance between work, school, and family. It also helped her become more well-rounded in law enforcement and helped her realize she wanted to further her career in law and become a lawyer.

At the age of 34, as a working mother with two kids, Gretchen made the decision to attend John Marshall University where she completed her Juris Doctor degree.

Now, on top of being a member of the CPD, Gretchen also now serves as an Attorney and Partner at RGC, Law Group, LLC. Gretchen and her partner Renee Gonzalez, who also works for CPD as a Mounted Officer training police horses, specialize in real estate law and small business law. 

As a police officer, lawyer and Flyer, Gretchen embodies the Lewis Mission in the important work she does each and every day.

“Lewis University’s mission is grounded in the interaction of knowledge and fidelity in the search for truth. I believe, in law enforcement, there are many sides to a story and as a police officer, it’s important to be impartial during your truth searching,” she added.

Her perseverance and devotion to helping others has allowed her to be successful, but it has also brought Gretchen new opportunities for reflection and room for growth as a professional and a person.

Aside from work, Gretchen is a loving mother of two (Scarlett, 11 and Emilio, 8) and wife to Ildefonso Chavez who also serves as a Chicago Police Officer.

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