Polk State Criminal Justice student finds niche through program, Speech and Debate, and adversity

Currently enrolled in the Polk State College Criminal Justice Program, Witskerbial Louis-Marc is consistently finding ways to expand her skill set.

For this academic year, one of those ways was joining the Polk State Speech and Debate team.

Broadening horizons

“Pursuing a career in the Criminal Justice field, I felt the need to be more structured and more confident,” Louis-Marc explained. “I saw debating as a way to help me grow.”

Louis-Marc recently finished second in the Persuasive Speaking category at the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) 2025 Forensics State Tournament. Hosted by Miami Dade College online on Feb. 7 and 8, Louis-Marc spoke on the topic of mental health concerns for children 12 years old and younger.

“There’s so much to know in debate,” Louis-Marc added. “You have to research topics extensively to debate them well. It’s like criminal justice – there are laws, stipulations, and rules you have to know inside and out.”

A native of Haiti, Louis-Marc came to the U.S. when she was just 13 years old. For more than 20 years, she has called Polk County home. Louis-Marc has explored several options during her academic career, but for her, they’re all more connected than most would realize.

Hairstylist and “hairapist”

A graduate of Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland, Louis-Marc originally attended Digital Media Arts College in Boca Raton for graphic design but got homesick and returned to Polk County. She later graduated from Artistic Beauty School in Lakeland and has been doing hair for more than 10 years.

“Being a hairstylist is like being a therapist,” she opined. “People are more comfortable talking with people they don’t know. People want to be heard. It’s good to listen to their opinions and thoughts – whether you agree with them or not. If you want to make a difference in the world, you have to listen and learn what’s important to people.”

As a stylist, Louis-Marc has worked for others and for herself. Having been self-employed, the Business Program at Polk State made the most sense when she initially enrolled in 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, she needed to step away.

During her lengthy time in the hair business, Louis-Marc had heard many people’s stories. In 2021, however, she began going through a divorce – a process that took three years. Hearing others’ stories of adversity and now facing her own, Louis-Marc sought a new career path where she felt she could do the most good. For her, that was the Criminal Justice Program.

Finding the right fit

“Doing hair made me see that I could help people in a bigger way,” Louis-Marc reflected. “I’ve heard and seen a lot in the hair industry. It’s really helped me see the world in a different way. When you’re going through a divorce, a lot of the things you’ve heard about, you now face directly. The divorce made me realize that the best course for me was the criminal justice field.”

First enrolled in the program in 2023, Louis-Marc is set to graduate with her Associate in Science in Criminal Justice this summer. She plans on remaining in the program to pursue a Bachelor of Science. Louis-Marc is considering law enforcement and practicing law. What she knows for sure is that she wants to help those going through difficult times.

“What I love about Polk State is you’re not limited to one campus,” she said. “There are so many course options – online, Lakeland, Winter Haven. Polk State has really allowed me to grow and embrace this community.”

Part of a community – at Polk State and beyond

In addition to the Speech and Debate team at Polk State, Louis-Marc has been active in the community as well. As a single mother and a full-time college student, she’s still found a way to volunteer her time with Girl Scouts of the USA, Polk County Public Schools, the Parent-Teacher Association at Carlton Palmore Elementary School, Polk Supervisor of Elections, and Polk County Citizens Defending Freedom.

As she continues to navigate through Polk State’s Criminal Justice Program, Louis-Marc has felt College-wide support. Professors Chasity Branham, Brian Lieberman, and Shawn Collins, Student Success Advisor April King, and Criminal Justice Program Director Sgt. Chris Shea were among a handful she mentioned by name.

“My professors have all been really good,” Louis-Marc exclaimed. “They truly have an open-door policy.”

Whether it’s volunteering, parenting, or working, Louis-Marc has managed to successfully juggle many things while attending Polk State. Louis-Marc offered advice for those considering Polk State.

“You should totally do it,” she concluded. “It feels like home here. Even if you’re an introvert, there are so many resources, clubs, and people here to help you reach your goal.”