Jeffrey Lamoureaux has spent over 24 years building a career rooted in service, integrity, and a deep commitment to fairness. Based in California, Jeff’s path has taken him from law enforcement to higher education, where he now leads efforts in Title IX and civil rights compliance. As the founder of Compliance, Title IX, and Equity Investigations (CIXE), Jeff provides expert-level investigative services with a focus on trauma-informed care, due process, and institutional accountability. His journey is one of resilience, personal growth, and a desire to make a lasting impact on the communities he serves.
What does success look like to you?
Success, for me, is about impact. It’s not about titles, financial gain, or professional accolades—it’s about knowing that the work I do is making a difference in people’s lives. In Title IX investigations, success means that individuals feel heard, that the process is fair, and that we’ve fostered an environment where people feel safe coming forward.
On a personal level, success is measured by my family. If I’m maintaining strong relationships with my wife, Melissa, and my daughters, Bella and Dani, then I know I’m on the right path. Early in my career, I made the mistake of letting work consume me, and it took a toll on my family life. Now, I make a conscious effort to balance my responsibilities so that I don’t lose sight of what truly matters.
How has your definition of success evolved over time?
Early in my career, I thought success meant being the best at what I did, constantly pushing forward and taking on more responsibility. When I was a police officer, I measured success by my ability to handle high-stakes situations—responding to crimes, making arrests, and protecting the community. I believed that if I worked hard enough, I would be fulfilled.
But over time, I learned that this mindset wasn’t sustainable. The trauma I encountered daily started to affect me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time. I was experiencing PTSD, and my job was taking a toll on my mental and emotional well-being. It wasn’t until my wife pointed out that I was losing myself in the stress and weight of my career that I realized something had to change.
When I transitioned into Title IX and civil rights compliance, my perspective shifted. I started to see success as something much bigger than individual achievements—it became about creating lasting change. Now, I focus on education, prevention, and advocacy. I want to empower institutions to build safer, more equitable environments and ensure that everyone has access to due process and fair treatment.
What challenges have you faced in redefining success?
One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming my own expectations. When you’ve spent years in a high-pressure career like law enforcement, stepping away feels like admitting defeat. There’s an internal struggle—am I making the right choice? Am I still making a difference?
When I moved into Title IX work, I had to rebuild my understanding of what impact looked like. Instead of focusing on immediate, tangible outcomes like arrests or case resolutions, I had to recognize the importance of long-term cultural change. In compliance work, the impact isn’t always visible right away, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening.
Another challenge has been dealing with resistance from institutions that are hesitant to change. Not everyone is open to difficult conversations about Title IX compliance, civil rights, and trauma-informed investigations. Some people see these issues as legal checkboxes rather than opportunities to improve campus culture. Overcoming these barriers requires patience, persistence, and a commitment to education.
What advice would you give to someone struggling to define their own success?
Take a step back and ask yourself what truly matters to you. It’s easy to get caught up in external expectations—what society, your profession, or even your younger self thought success should look like. But real success is personal. It’s about fulfillment, purpose, and the legacy you leave behind.
Be willing to evolve. Your definition of success will change as you grow, and that’s okay. What felt important at one stage of your life may not align with who you are today. Give yourself permission to reassess and make adjustments.
Most importantly, invest in relationships. No matter how much you accomplish professionally, if you neglect your family, friends, or your own well-being, it won’t mean much in the end. Success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about the people who walk through life with you.
What’s next for you?
I want to continue growing CIXE and expanding the accessibility of Title IX and civil rights compliance services. Many institutions don’t have the resources to hire full-time experts, and I want to ensure that they still have access to quality investigations, training, and guidance.
I also plan to continue mentoring other Title IX professionals. This work isn’t easy—it requires emotional resilience, a strong ethical compass, and a deep understanding of law and policy. I want to help others navigate this field and develop the skills they need to make a real impact.
Personally, my goal is to continue prioritizing family. My daughters are in college now, and I want to be present in their lives as they navigate their own journeys. I’ve learned that success isn’t about one big moment—it’s about all the small choices you make along the way. And as long as I’m making choices that align with my values, I know I’m on the right path.