National Law Enforcement LGBT Liaison Network Leadership Team

 

Julie Callahan	Kathryn Winters	James Gonzales	Greg Miraglia	Jack Pond	James Delos Santos

 

Don Mueller	Vanessa Gonzalez	Janae Draper	Brandon Ragan	Julie Sohn	Alex Saragusa

Learn More About Our Team

Julie Callahan – is a retired police officer and district attorney investigator. Her career spans nearly four decades of service to two agencies. She spent the first 29 years working as a patrol officer and then as a detective for the San Jose Police Department, in California. During her tenure there she worked several assignments including street gangs, narcotics, burglary, and several proactive policing units. Ms. Callahan participated in task force investigations with the F.B.I., the D.E.A., and U.S. Customs Service. She was selected to work on a number of special investigations for the Office of the Chief of Police. Those cases involved public corruption, organized crime, organized human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children. Her most gratifying assignments were hunting sexual predators, murderers, and offenders that sexually exploit children. Ms. Callahan received many awards and honors during her career with SJPD including being named Officer of the Year, receiving several service awards, and letters of commendation from her superiors and from the community.

After her retirement from SJPD Ms Callahan went to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office where she worked on investigations in environmental crimes and consumer fraud. Like many D.A. investigators she was also assigned to a variety of cases involving public corruption and real estate fraud before being assigned to investigate violent crimes occurring at the two state prisons located within the county. Her most enjoyable assignment was with the Prison Prosecution Unit where she investigated murders and attempted murders that happened inside prison walls perpetrated by inmates upon other inmates. She retired from the DA’s Office in 2019.

Ms. Callahan identifies as a transgender woman. She was born male-bodied and transitioned genders, during her time with the San Jose Police Department. In 2001 she was the first known transgender officer to publicly transition genders at that agency. This was a challenging time for both the department and for Ms. Callahan. Ms. Callahan prefers using her first name in social settings and uses female pronouns; she and her.

In 1998 Julie discovered other transgender officers while she was beginning her transition and during their discussions and identified the need for peer-support and education on gender-identity related matters within the law enforcement community was identified. Julie, along with a group of other transgender officers from around the world, formed what later became the Transgender Community of Police & Sheriffs also known as TCOPS for short. From its humble beginnings as an email list the group has grown dramatically. What began as a meeting of about a dozen officers from five countries, has become a peer-support network with over 5,700 law enforcement officers and law enforcement support personnel from around the world. TCOPS facilitates active discussion, support, and news groups to assist LEOs and LESPs to help members navigate gender-identity related issues. The organization provides assistance to members in transition planning, controlled disclosure to employers, and offers advice and counsel to the executive staff of any public safety agency dealing with the challenges of diversity and inclusion of transgender staff members both sworn and non-sworn, to their organization.

Julie and her husband Patrick have a blended family of adult children and nine grandchildren. After retiring they relocated to the high desert of Nevada where they live on a small farm. Julie and Patrick consult with both the private and public sector on matters related to the intersection of law enforcement and the LGBTQ community.

James Delos Santos – South San Francisco Police Sergeant James Delos Santos (He/Him/His) is a dedicated law enforcement professional who has spent his career serving the city he was proudly raised in. Born and raised in the same community he now serves, Sergeant James Delos Santos developed a deep understanding of its challenges and strengths from an early age. That connection has shaped his approach to policing—grounded in accountability, trust, and service.

Over the course of his career, which spans nearly two decades, Sergeant James Delos Santos has built extensive experience across multiple specialized units and assignments. He has led complex investigations involving gangs, narcotics, vehicle theft rings, and human trafficking, and currently serves as a Detective Sergeant for the Criminal Interdiction Unit.

In addition to his investigative work, Sergeant James Delos Santos is a strong advocate for community policing and the LGBTQ+ community. Despite conducting several notable investigations and high-profile arrests, he is most proud of his role in implementing the department’s LGBTQ+ Liaison program. He regularly engages with residents, community organizations, and local leaders, to foster positive relationships and build trust between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community.

Janae Draper – started her career on patrol, spending time serving the South Waco Community for five years. In 2022, she moved to a newly formed unit, the Neighborhood Engagement Team (NET). There Janae work closely with 5 different neighborhoods focusing on promoting positive community relations and engagement utilizing the TREEAT model, as well as promoting awareness on multiple topics. She holds an Advanced Peace Officer Certification from TCOLE and is an ALERRT C.R.A.S.E Instructor, Basic Instructor, Waco PD Defensive Tactics Instructor, and a Certified Crime Prevention Specialist. Janae is also a member of The National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), Central Texas Crime Prevention Association, and Out to Protect LGBT Law Enforcement Academy Alumni. In the summer of 2023, she was asked to become the LGBTQ+ Liaison for Waco Police Department. Since then, she has devoted much of my time working to establish an effective and sustainable LGBTQ+ Liaison program, as well as helping to create an internal source of guidance and support for Waco Police employees on LGBTQ+ matters.  Her goal is to ultimately help strengthen and enhance relations with law enforcement agencies all over the country and their LGBTQ+ communities.

Kathryn Winters -Kathryn Winters is a 12-year veteran of the San Francisco Police Department and is an out trans woman. Over the course of her career, she has worked a variety of patrol assignments, investigations, and was a project manager for the departments Collaborative Reform Process with the DOJ.  Recently, Kathryn was assigned to the Community Engagement Division where she served as the departments LGBTQ Liaison and created the departments Community Liaison Unit which supported victims of hate crimes. Kathryn also co-facilitates the San Francisco Police Academy LGBTQ training. Kathryn has been involved with several LGBTQ organizations over the years and is currently a board member of the San Francisco chapter of The Out Foundation.  Kathryn is a proud parent of two teenage daughters, and, in her free time, enjoys CrossFit, running, and photography.

James Gonzales – has worked in law enforcement for over 18 years in Silicon Valley, serving in many different roles and is currently the LGBT community liaison at the San Jose Police Department. He was previously Vice President of the San Jose Police Officers’ Association. In both his roles in the department and previously in the police union, James has worked on building strong relationships with the community spearheading nationally recognized efforts in this space. James has extensive media/public relations experience and frequently is seen on television commenting on public safety or LGBT issues. James is a senior fellow with American Leadership Forum Silicon Valley and a member of the San Jose chapter of Rotary International and serves on several boards serving the LGBT community.

Vanessa Gonzalez – a dedicated member of the City of Miami Police Department for 9 years, has excelled in various roles including patrol, beat officer, Neighborhood Resource Officer, and her current assignment as the LGBTQ+ Liaison Officer. Becoming MPD’s first full-time LGBTQ+ Liaison, her commitment to building positive relationships with community members and stakeholders, along with her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, has made her a beloved figure in the neighborhood. She has made significant contributions, including training officers, advocating for LGBTQ+ initiatives, and serving as Vice Chair to the South Florida Law Enforcement LGBTQ Coalition. Vanessa is part of MPD’s Peer Support team and the Miami-Dade Multi-Agency Peer Support team. She is happily married to her wife, Lisa, and is a parent to Oliver, Anthony, and Kailyn, their three teenagers, and Zen, the family dog. She continues to make a positive impact in the community.

Greg Miraglia – has a Masters Degree in Education Administration and Bachelors Degree in Business. He teaches five courses in LGBT studies, a variety of law enforcement courses including all human relations, work place harassment, community policing, and one of the only state certified hate crimes investigations courses in the State of California.  In 2016, he was named Dean Emeritus at Napa Valley College after retiring as dean of career technical education.  He continues to serve as a part time faculty member at Napa Valley College, Santa Rosa Junior College and City College of San Francisco.

In 2011, he authored curriculum for an accredited LGBT Studies Program now offered by Napa Valley College.  This was the second program of its type offered by a California college.  In July of 2013, Mr. Miraglia was awarded the “Dr. John W. Rice Diversity Award” by the Chancellor of the California Community College system for his work developing hate crime prevention and diversity education programs.  He is a nationally recognized speaker and expert on LGBT issues in the law enforcement profession.

Mr. Miraglia serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Matthew Shepard Foundation and is also a radio program host and producer on Outbeat Radio, a weekly LGBT program on KRCB Radio. Mr. Miraglia has over 35 years of experience in law enforcement with three different police departments working most recently as deputy chief of the Napa Valley Railroad Police Department.

After coming out himself in 2004, Mr. Miraglia decided to work with others in law enforcement who are still struggling with the pervasive homophobia that still exists in many areas of the law enforcement, the fire service, and EMS profession.

Chief Don Mueller – is the Chief of Police for the Cerritos College Police Department (CCPD) in the city of Norwalk, California.  CCPD is comprised of 13 sworn officers, 6 dispatchers, 3 administrative personnel, and 25 college cadets.  Prior to joining the CCPD, Chief Mueller retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department with over 30 years of service.  Chief Mueller is a nationally recognized expert in LGBTQ-related diversity training and policy development.  In 2015, Chief Mueller was invited to speak at the White House by the Obama Administration and address over 100 international dignitaries regarding violence against LGBTQ persons around the world.  Chief Mueller has assisted the U.S. Department of Justice in developing diversity training currently in use at the FBI, DOJ, and Secret Service, and has conducted LGBTQ diversity training for over 40 major law enforcement agencies across the country.  Chief Mueller is a California P.O.S.T. certified instructor in Cultural Awareness and Sexual Harassment Training and is federally trained as a Hate Crimes Investigator Instructor.  Chief Mueller loves to travel internationally with his husband, Oriel.  In the past few years, they have skydived, scuba dived and ziplined in multiple countries around the world.

Jack Pond – holds an Associate of Arts degree (Santa Ana College—1966); Spanish and French Language Certificates (University of Guadalajara and University of Poitiers—1967-68);  a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and French and a Standard Secondary Teaching Credential (University of Redlands—1968-69); and a Masters Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (University of Hawaii—1971).  Part of his Masters Degree included evaluating English Language Programs at the preschool through University levels for the Ministries of Education  in Japan and Taiwan.

Mr. Pond served as Professor of English and Spanish (University of Hawaii  System at Leeward Community College (LCC)—1972-2003) and Dean of Arts and Sciences at LCC—2003-04. He was appointed to be a Commissioner on the Accreditation Commission for  Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC/WASC) 1998-2004 and served on 20+ comprehensive and follow-up teams during his tenure. In 2004 I was selected to be the Vice President of the ACCJC to train colleges and evaluation teams in the accreditation process. He served in that position until I retired in 2017.

Mr. Pond completed training and volunteered as a resource faculty member for Leeward College’s Safe Zone Project from 1998 to 2004. He served as a Volunteer In Police Services (VIPS) assisting Santa Rosa Police Department in 2019.

Brandon Ragan – grew up in Orlando Florida and knew he wanted to be a Deputy Sheriff since he was a student in High School and joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Explorer program in the late 1990s. He has worked with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando since 2003. During his tenure with his agency, he has worked in patrol, as a Sergeant for School Resource Officers, a Detective in Criminal Investigations, a night time Watch Commander, Lieutenant over Criminal Investigations Division, and is currently assigned as a Lieutenant in the Strategic Communications Section. Brandon has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Masters in Leadership and Management. He is the lead, LGBTQ+ Liaison for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and currently serves as the President of the Gay Officers Action League of Central Florida.

Alex Saragusa – Police Officer Alex Saragusa attended the University of Missouri–Columbia and received a Bachelors in Psychology, a Minor in Sociology, and a Multi-Cultural Studies Certificate. After attending University, he joined the Kansas City Missouri Police Department (KCPD) and has served with KCPD for 8 years. During that time Officer Saragusa was assigned to patrol and worked as a Field Training Officer. In December of 2022, he was appointed as the LGBTQ+ Liaison Officer for the Kansas City Missouri Police Department. In 2023, he graduated from the LGBTQ+ Law Enforcement Liaison Academy. In his current position, Officer Saragusa has worked to strengthen the relationship with the LGBTQ+ Community. He is a participant in the F.B.I.’s Hate Crime Task Force. Officer Saragusa has his Instructor License from the State of Missouri Department of Public Safety and teaches LGBTQ+ Awareness Training, and Hate Crimes Investigations at the Regional Police Academy.

Julie “Jules” Sohn –  currently serves as a supervisor for the Community Relations Section, Office of the Chief of Police, and is the LAPD Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ+) Liaison and Cultural Competency Training Coordinator.  Jules previously served as the Officer-In-Charge of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Operations West Bureau Community Outreach and the Harbor Area Community Relations Sergeant from 2019 to 2022.

Jules served as the LAPD LGBTQ Liaison Officer from about 2016 to 2018 where she collaborated with key LGBTQ stakeholders and leaders to develop updated cultural competency training, hate crimes policy, and community programming to better serve historically underserved communities.

Jules has over fifteen years of law enforcement experience at both the LAPD and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  She served as the lead public information officer for FBI San Francisco, which covered the 15 counties in the Northern District of California and managed and supervised the media relations program from 2010 to 2013.

Jules served as volunteer spokeswoman of a non-profit organization, which was at the forefront of advocacy work for servicewomen and women veterans and was a sought-after speaker on the impact of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, which at one time banned LGBTQ people from serving openly in the military.

She was the 2019 recipient of Anti-Defamation League’s Helene and Joseph Sherwood Prize for Combatting Hate for her work collaborating with the LGBTQ communities in Los Angeles to build trust and increase reporting of hate crimes through community-based programs and grassroots organizing.  She is a lead law enforcement instructor for the Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service “Engaging and Building Relationships with Transgender Communities.”  Jules is a law enforcement advisory committee member of the National Center for State Courts working group on Bias Mitigation/Countering Discrimination Training Project for Criminal Justice Professionals.

Jules is a former U.S. Marine officer and Iraq War veteran, who was discharged due to the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy and holds a M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University.