Language Access Team

Deputy Chief Griego was born in New York to a father who was a native of El Rito NM and a mother who was an immigrant from Germany. Deputy Chief Griego has been with the Albuquerque since 1997 and has worked in the SE Area Command, Criminal Investigations, as the APD Academy Director and is currently the Deputy Chief of Support Services. Deputy Chief Griego is a Graduate of the FBI National Academy, The FBI Executive Leadership Institute, Law Enforcement Management Institute and others. Deputy Chief Griego is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and is also serves on the IACP Technology Committee. Deputy Chief Griego’s passion for Language Access is rooted in personal family experiences as well as his experiences working as an Albuquerque Police Officer.

Lieutenant Jennifer Garcia is a proud Albuquerque Native, raised on the west side of Albuquerque. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from New Mexico Highlands University and a master's degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of New Mexico. Before joining the Albuquerque Police Department in 2003, Lt. Garcia dedicated her early career to supporting youth and families in need. She worked as a youth and family counselor at a local non-profit agency and shelter, and later served as a treatment coordinator at a residential facility for youth. Her background in mental health and her deep roots in the community continue to inform her compassionate, service-oriented approach to law enforcement.

Joseline Segovia was born in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México. Her first language is Spanish. She returned to the United States in 2002 and has called New Mexico home for the past 16 years. In 2023, she joined the Albuquerque Police Department as the Language Access Coordinator, following the completion of her Master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of New Mexico.

With over eight years of experience in the language field, Joseline has conducted research on many languages and communities, bringing both academic insight and lived experience to her work. Her deep understanding of linguistic and cultural barriers fuels her commitment to equity and inclusion.

Joseline is passionate about building community-centered approaches to reduce language barriers in law enforcement and increase awareness of linguistic and racial bias. Her expertise supports the development of policies and practices that promote meaningful, multilingual communication and ensure equitable access to public safety services for all.

Gisell Cereceres Barrera, born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the daughter of immigrants from Chihuahua, Mexico. Growing up in a Spanish-speaking home inspired her passion for language, culture, and community service. She earned dual Bachelor's degrees in Linguistics and Portuguese with a minor in Spanish from UNM in 2022, followed by a Master’s in Spanish with a concentration in Hispanic Linguistics in 2024. Gisell has supported bilingual youth through CABQ childcare programs and served as the Administrator at UNM’s Women’s Resource Center, where she led programming and student services. In 2024, she joined the Albuquerque Police Department’s Language Access team to help bridge communication gaps between the department and the community. Her professional interests include bilingualism, phonology, child language development, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Pearlyne Coriz is a proud member of the Santo Domingo Pueblo in New Mexico. She is a graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. With a strong commitment to serving her community, Pearlyne joined the Albuquerque Police Department in November of 2024 as a Language Access Police Records Technician. Her diverse background, speaking her Native language of Keres, and dedication to both the arts and public service reflect her deep-rooted connection to her heritage and a passion for making a positive impact.

Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, Ximena Vargas has a deep appreciation for family and the diverse cultures that enrich the community. Her upbringing was significantly influenced by her hardworking, loving Hispanic parents, which shaped her understanding of the struggles and significance of language access. She holds a bilingual seal on her high school diploma, reflecting her commitment to bridging language barriers and advocating for inclusive communication.

On December 16, 2024, Ximena joined the Albuquerque Police Department's Language Access Team, where she is eager to utilize her passion for cultural diversity and effective communication. She is dedicated to facilitating access and support for all individuals, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder community safety and well-being. With extensive experience working with people of all ethnicities and cultures, she believes that language is a powerful tool for connection and a right that belongs to everyone.