Lieutenant Jenna Clawson Huibregtse of the North Dakota Highway Patrol exemplifies leadership, innovation, and dedication to public service. With a background in cultural anthropology and a master’s degree from North Dakota State University, Lt. Clawson Huibregtse has brought a unique perspective to law enforcement. She began her career in 2015 and quickly distinguished herself by founding the agency’s Cultural Liaison Officer program—the first of its kind in a state law enforcement agency in the United States—drawing on her experience working the Dakota Access Pipeline protest. The program has since had 20,000+ contacts or utilization points with tribal nations, refugees, and new residents. 

Lt. Clawson Huibregtse’s work has fostered stronger relationships between law enforcement and tribal nations, leading to mutual aid agreements, improved community trust, and more inclusive policies. She has also been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within the agency, spearheading initiatives like the 30x30 pledge for her organization and helping neighboring agencies sign the pledge and organizing the first Midwest Summit for Women in Law Enforcement, which drew more than 200 attendees. 

Promoted to lieutenant in 2025, Lt. Clawson Huibregtse now leads the Safety and Education Division and serves as the agency’s public information officer. Her innovative communication strategies, including live ride-alongs and public engagement campaigns, have reshaped how the agency connects with the community. She also coordinates the state’s AMBER Alert system and continues to mentor officers across jurisdictions. 

Lt. Clawson Huibregtse’s commitment to service, representation, and transformation has made her a respected leader and role model in law enforcement. 

“I am motivated by the chance to make law enforcement more inclusive and… leave a lasting impact for future generations.”