Women's Panel

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Jamie Pearson

Dedicated and accomplished law enforcement executive with nearly two decades of progressive service with the Shakopee Police Department, beginning in 2006. Currently serving as Police Chief, with a proven record of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to public safety and community policing.

I earned a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Criminal Justice from St. Cloud State University in 2005 and completed the Law Enforcement Skills Program at Alexandria Technical College the same year. In 2024, I graduated from Northwestern University’s prestigious School of Police Staff and Command and obtained my Basic Emergency Management Certificate, further enhancing my executive leadership and emergency preparedness expertise.

Throughout my career, I have served in roles including Patrol Officer, D.A.R.E. Officer, Field Training Officer, Explorer Advisor, Investigator, Patrol Sergeant, Investigations Sergeant, and Captain. These experiences have shaped a well-rounded leadership approach grounded in accountability, collaboration, and service.

I am recognized for effectively managing complex investigations, leading multidisciplinary teams, and implementing community-focused policing initiatives that build trust and transparency. My leadership experience includes crisis management, policy development, budget preparation, and fostering strong interagency partnerships to enhance public safety outcomes.

A steadfast advocate for treatment-based alternatives and collaborative justice efforts, I have served as the Law Enforcement Liaison for the Scott County Treatment Court since 2007, helping bridge the gap between law enforcement and individuals navigating the court system. In 2024, I was appointed as a Member of the Statewide Treatment Court Committee and serve as a Subcommittee Lead. I also serve as a Community Corrections Advisory Board Member. In 2025, I became a PAARI Pro (Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative), further strengthening my commitment to addiction recovery initiatives.

Above all, I am committed to building strong community relationships, supporting collaborative partnerships, and leading with integrity, professionalism, and service.

Sonia Quizhpi

Sonia immigrated to the United States from Ecuador at the age of six. In 2011, just months before graduating from high school, her parents made the decision to return to Ecuador. Determined to complete her education and pursue her goals, Sonia chose to remain in the United States, successfully earning her high school diploma and continuing on to college. She became the first member of her family to attend college, marking a significant milestone in her family’s history.

Despite challenges related to her legal status, Sonia remained steadfast in her dream of becoming a police officer. She earned her Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and began her career in public service as a Correctional Officer at the Hennepin County Adult Corrections Facility. In 2017, she was hired as a Community Service Officer with the Bloomington Police Department. While in the process of becoming a United States citizen, Sonia continued her education and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement.

In 2019, Sonia embraced another important role in her life—motherhood—while continuing her service with the Bloomington Police Department as a Records Specialist. In 2023, she achieved her long-held goal when she was hired as a Police Officer with the Shakopee Police Department.

Throughout her career, Sonia has remained deeply committed to community engagement. She dedicates her time to volunteering and mentoring young students, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations and working to build trust and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Alexandra de Lugo

Alexandra de Lugo began her path to becoming a police officer in 2013. At the age of 17, she joined the Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer and is currently concluding her military career in the Army Reserves, serving at the rank of Staff Sergeant with 14 years of service. Throughout her time in the military, Alexandra completed one overseas tour and participated in numerous large-scale readiness training events across the country.

At 19, she was hired by the Minneapolis Police Department as a Community Service Officer and went on to earn her associate’s degree. Shortly after, Alexandra became a police recruit at the Minneapolis Police Academy. Just three months after her 21st birthday, she graduated and became the youngest police officer in the Minneapolis Police Department in 2017. During her service as a police officer, she worked patrol in the second and third precincts, coached 5U T-ball and 13U girls' volleyball with the Police Activities League (PAL) and served as an instructor at the police academy and in-service trainings, specializing in defensive tactics and taser instruction, all while completing her bachelor’s degree.

While on patrol, Alexandra was honored with the Medal of Honor by the Minneapolis Police Department and the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA), the highest award a police officer can receive. In 2025, she was promoted to sergeant within the MPD and is currently assigned as an investigator in the sex crimes unit. She is passionate about helping others and giving a voice to those who haven’t had a chance.

Outside of work, Alexandra enjoys traveling with her husband, staying fit, and relaxing at home with their two dogs, all while preparing to welcome their baby boy in June.

Natalie Casas

My name is Natalie Casas, and I am a Patrol Officer with the St. Cloud Police Department, where I have been working for nearly a year and will reach my one-year anniversary in June. In my role, I respond to calls for service, engage with the community, and work to ensure public safety.

I am originally from Bloomington, Minnesota, where I graduated from Bloomington Jefferson High School in 2018. I continued my education at St. Cloud State University before transferring to Alexandria Technical & Community College, where I earned my Associate Degree in Police Education and Training in May 2025.

I currently live in Foley, Minnesota. As a newer officer, I am focused on learning, growing in my role, and building strong relationships within the community I serve. I am honored to participate in this Women’s History Month panel.

Helen Castillo

At 32 years old, she is a proud first-generation Latina, a devoted mother of three, and a woman driven by faith, purpose, and resilience. Born and raised in Minnesota, she became the first in her family to attend college, determined to create new opportunities for herself and her children.

After graduating from the Aveda Institute, she built her career as a massage therapist, working for five years in a medical beauty clinic before taking a leap of faith into entrepreneurship. Today, she is a self-employed, balancing her career while continuing her education and pursuing her goal of becoming a police officer.

At the age of 25, she made a life-changing decision to dedicate her life to God—a choice that continues to guide her path as a mother, professional, and future leader. Her journey is rooted in breaking generational cycles, making intentional life choices, and building a legacy of strength, faith, and opportunity for her children.

She is passionate about serving her community and hopes to inspire other women to pursue their dreams, overcome obstacles, and step into leadership roles with confidence and purpose.

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