Charlie Alejandro

Charlie Alejandro, originally named Shirley Jaudicia Cordero, was born in San Jose, Costa Rica. At just two years old, she was abandoned by her birth mother and subsequently raised by her godmother’s family. In 1969, her adoptive mother, Maria Otilia Mainieri-Guerrero, brought Charlie, then seven, to the United States. Throughout her childhood, Charlie faced challenges with her birth name, which was often mispronounced. To simplify matters, she adopted the spelling "Charlie," reflecting its pronunciation.

Charlie’s passion for acting emerged early on; shortly after arriving in the U.S., she secured the role of Lucy in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Despite her limited English skills, she memorized her lines phonetically and received acclaim for her performance. This success led to an audition for the local children’s show "Zoom," but her mother’s disapproval dashed her dreams.

After leaving home at 17 following the birth of her son, Derek, Charlie navigated various challenges, ultimately earning her GED and a medical assisting certificate. Her most notable career achievement came when she became the first female officer in Massachusetts’ Metropolitan Police's tactical unit. Following a merger of police departments in 1992, she transitioned to community organizing and motivational speaking while raising a blended family of nine children.

Charlie later pursued independent film projects and voice-over work in both English and Spanish, showcasing her artistic versatility throughout her diverse career.