Meet Angelica
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Angelica Contreras has proudly called Shakopee home for more than 27 years. She and her husband, Eddie, have been married for over 30 years and raised four incredible children, all of whom attended or are currently part of the Shakopee school district. Family, service, and community have always been at the center of Angelica’s life.
Her passion for public service began in simple but meaningful ways—helping neighbors translate documents and interpret conversations so they could better navigate important systems and services. Through those experiences, Angelica recognized a growing need for stronger language access and greater representation for Spanish-speaking families in local institutions and government.
Her commitment deepened while working at the front desk of the CAP Agency, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges many Shakopee families faced, including access to affordable housing, stable employment, and essential resources. Just as importantly, she saw the need for compassion, understanding, and leadership grounded in empathy. These experiences inspired her to serve her community on a larger scale.
Angelica began her leadership journey through community organizations, serving on the board of the Shakopee Soccer Association and becoming deeply involved with the Shakopee Diversity Alliance, where she served as Vice President. She also continues to serve as Co-Director of the Association of Professionals and Students, helping educate students and families about the value of higher education and pathways to opportunity.
In 2018, Angelica took what she describes as “the chance of a lifetime” and ran for City Council. With the support of residents across the community, she was elected and made history as the first woman of color to serve on the Shakopee City Council. Earning the trust of Shakopee residents remains one of her greatest honors, and she continues to prioritize listening, accessibility, and staying connected to the people she serves.
Throughout her time in public office, Angelica has focused on being present and engaged in the community—attending neighborhood events, speaking directly with residents, supporting local organizations, and listening to concerns firsthand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked closely with local partners including the CAP Agency and Esperanza to help coordinate weekend food distribution efforts for more than a year, helping families access food during a time of extraordinary uncertainty.
Angelica has also remained committed to supporting local businesses, regularly attending ribbon cuttings, anniversaries, and community events while advocating for a thriving local economy. She has worked alongside city staff and community partners to expand housing opportunities in Shakopee so families of different backgrounds, incomes, and stages of life can find a place to call home.
Her service has extended beyond council meetings. Angelica has served in multiple liaison roles with community organizations and local government, including as a School Board liaison, a liaison to the Shakopee Diversity Alliance, and a member of the City’s Equity Team. She has also served as Vice Mayor, carrying each role with dedication and a commitment to learning, collaboration, and thoughtful decision-making.
Angelica believes leadership means listening, growing, and remaining accountable. She approaches public service with humility, recognizing that leadership comes with challenges, learning experiences, and responsibility.
Above all, Angelica is passionate about building a stronger, safer, and more united Shakopee. She believes deeply in supporting strong relationships between residents, public safety departments, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. Whether supporting community-centered programs with police and firefighters, strengthening local partnerships, or working to bring people together, her focus remains on ensuring Shakopee continues to thrive for every family who calls it home.
Angelica is proud to call Shakopee home and remains committed to serving the city with the same heart, determination, and community spirit that have guided her from the beginning.
Read about her role on the City Council here
