Cynthia Perdomo’s life has been defined by resilience, dedication, and a passion for making a difference. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, to a Dominican father and Puerto Rican mother, Perdomo’s upbringing shaped her commitment to community and her heritage. She attended public schools, including a performing arts school where she played the violin, and discovered a love for working with children while teaching dance at a nonprofit during college.
After graduating from Lehman College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Perdomo decided to pursue a stable and impactful career in law enforcement, joining the NYPD Police Academy in May 2001. Her early career was marked by extraordinary challenges. Just months after graduating, she experienced the harrowing aftermath of the September 11 attacks, which deeply affected her and her city.
“The reality of 9/11 was a major wake-up call,” Perdomo said. “For the city to be attacked and feel that vulnerable was pretty scary. It was a real reality check for me early in my career.”
Not long after, she faced another life-altering moment when she was shot at while on duty. Despite the risks, Perdomo never wavered. Instead, she immersed herself in every opportunity the NYPD had to offer, from narcotics surveillance to undercover operations and crime scene investigations.
Over time, her passion for working with youth resurfaced. Schools began requesting officers to teach forensic lessons, and Perdomo eagerly accepted the chance to share her expertise. This intersection of education and law enforcement became a pivotal moment in her career.
After 21 years of service, Perdomo retired as a detective in 2022. She often visited family in Fort Worth, Texas, and eventually decided to relocate for a change of scenery. When an opportunity to teach criminal investigations at Singley Academy arose, she didn’t hesitate to apply.
Now, four months into her teaching role, Perdomo finds immense joy in inspiring her students. She emphasizes that law enforcement is not just a career but a family—a tight-knit community where everyone feels supported. She strives to create the same sense of belonging in her classroom.
“I want my students to know they can do anything,” Perdomo said. “It doesn’t matter how old they are or what it takes. Go for it. That’s something my dad always instilled in me—he always told me to go for mine. That’s the message I want to pass on to them.”
In addition to fostering a supportive environment, Perdomo draws on her law enforcement background to provide students with real-world insights into criminal investigations. Her goal is to equip them with both technical skills and the confidence to pursue their dreams, whether in STEM, law enforcement, or other fields.
“I’m truly blessed to be a part of Singley Academy and the Irving ISD community. I love what I do, and I’m happy that I get to do it here,” Perdomo said.
For those interested in Irving ISD’s Career and Technical Education programs, more information is available at IrvingISD.net/CTE.
