I met Margaret a couple years ago and it seems like I have known her forever. Margaret was hired as a consultant where I work. Little did I know that my life would be changed forever in the years that followed professionally and personally. It was following this time that she became my mentor. Margaret Trujillo’s experience working in juvenile justice, corrections, behavioral health, child welfare housing programs, and public policy. She was (and remains) the only woman and Hispanic to serve as Justice of the Peace for the Tempe Precinct from 1988 to 1994. She also served as the Presiding Justice of the Peace for Maricopa County, Community Relations Director for the Trial Courts in Maricopa County and as Service Integration Officer for Maricopa County's Regional Behavioral Health Authority, overseeing and directing programs and grants related to housing, jail diversion, and employment. Margaret believed in me when I did not believe in myself. She has helped me to see my abilities beyond which I would of never seen. All I needed was that extra nudge. It is so key to have someone that believes in you, and mentors are far and in between. Margaret provided me with wings to fly, and her legacy lives on in the community now serving as Assistant Director-Community Justice Services of Maricopa Human Services.

Signed,
Melissa Dalrymple