In the Spotlight

MARGARITA PEREZ:
There Are No Obstacles, Only Opportunities and Challenges to Overcome

Eduardo Perez moved to northern California from Mexico to provide a better opportunity for his family. Others who may have seen the one-bedroom trailer in the impoverished fields where he worked, may not have been able to understand, but Mr. Perez saw that in the United States, his family would live “a divine life”. And he said this to his children. He saw no obstacles, only opportunities for his children. He made this very clear to Margarita and her three brothers when they were very young, and continued to reinforce that they could accomplish anything they put their minds to because they were living in a country where anything is possible.

It's this “the sky is the limit” outlook that enabled Margarita to fearlessly take on all that life had to offer. She encourages others to do the same. It never crossed her mind that she would be limited by virtue of her gender or ethnicity. Nor did she allow perceptions of discrimination, whether real or perceived, to play a role in her focus to be successful at whatever she put her mind to. Margarita is a first-generation American from Mexico and the first family member to earn a college degree.

Captain Margarita Perez's Military Service

Margarita served in the Air Force and Army for twenty-two years, including a deployment to the Middle East in response to the Gulf War, also known as Desert Shield/Desert Storm. The Gulf War was an armed campaign waged by a 35-country military coalition in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Margarita's nine-month deployment was one of the most memorable experiences in her career. “It was not easy, but it helped me put into perspective many things — to include the importance of family and the privileges we so often take for granted in this country. Margarita entered Iraq the first night of the ground war with front line troops. Upon her return to the United States, she was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone and promoted to Captain.

Reflecting back on her father's wisdom, Margarita felt her service to this country was the patriotic thing to do and her way of helping to protect our freedom, ideals and the American way of life. “When I received my deployment orders, I did not hesitate. It was my obligation and duty.”

“It's every person's responsibility to give back for the benefit of our communities. The effect cannot be overstated. We can all give back in our own way through our actions, words and deeds.”

A friend, who was a correctional counselor in California's prison system, encouraged Margarita to apply. Margarita realized the potential of working in the 65,000-employee prison system. There are many positions available, and she may be able to eventually help others and work to improve the justice system. “I wanted to help those who find themselves behind bars and with no hope.”

Margarita began as a Correctional Officer and was eventually promoted to Correctional Sergeant, before transitioning to the Parole Division as a Parole Agent. She was promoted into various positions throughout her career including Senior Investigator, Parole Administrator and Parole Deputy Director. In 2004, she was appointed by the then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as the head of the Parole Board. In Margarita's thirty years with the department, she worked in three of the largest divisions in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Parole, Parole Board, and Prison).

Margarita left the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 2012 where she was last appointed as the acting head of the Parole Division. She then worked for over three years as the Assistant Chief for the County of Los Angeles Probation Department. She now serves as a consultant for the Alameda County Board of Supervisors.

1ST Lieutenant Margarita Perez, Saudi Arabia.

Captain Margarita Perez with her Commanding Officer at her 2013 Retirement Ceremony.

No One Becomes a Success By Themselves

“First and foremost, my father inspired me the most. He had such a great work ethic. Unless it was raining heavily, he worked seven days a week in the fields of Northern California - irrigation, pruning, picking peaches, whatever work was available…. I don't ever remember him complaining about the hard work — and that is at a time in the 1960's when he was paid $1/hour. He had such a positive attitude. He loved his children and family. He'd do anything for us. He was so proud of me for having taken advantage of education and the opportunities that come along with living in this country.

“I also had some great mentors. A lot of doors were opened for me by other people, both men and women. I also have no doubt that the work ethic instilled in me by my father and the personal sacrifices I made throughout my career greatly contributed to my success as well.

“I've never forgotten where I came from, so as I moved up the chain of command and into executive positions, I intentionally reached back to help others, whether through mentoring, by lending a helping hand, or by encouraging those with doubts about their abilities and what they are capable of achieving. I'd also try to find ways to help others without being obvious. It's about giving back. No one becomes a success alone; it takes a team and the influence of good people.”

Obstacles Exist Only If You Choose to See Them That Way

“Look at them as opportunities to learn, develop and excel beyond your expectations.”

Margarita conveyed her concerns about how the media's jaded reporting influences society in general and especially its impact on the thinking of the younger generation. She specifically honed in on how the media's “dooms day” and slanted reporting on race relations influences people into believing that all of these barriers exist that can hinder the success of minorities and women.

This is especially disheartening, particularly at a time in history when more doors than ever have been opened for minorities and women. This attitude may cause people to view these real or perceived “obstacles” as crutches and as an excuse to not pursue their goals or to see every setback as a response to their ethnicity or gender.

“That is not how we want to define ourselves. Set a goal, be persistent, and don't look back. Your success lies within you and you alone.”

Success is the Best Revenge

An example Margarita shared was when she was on-the-fence about applying for the Army's Officer Candidate School. She was told by a colleague to “not bother” because she didn't have what it takes to be an officer. Margarita conveyed that this source of “negativity” was what she needed to pursue her goal with even more fervor. “In this circumstance, I took the negative comments and used them to motivate and propel me forward. I have always done that throughout my career because as the old saying goes, 'success is the best revenge.'”

Margarita still applies this philosophy today. There are two things she is now pursuing:

• Acting is something she always wanted to do. She was discouraged by those who said, “At your age and with no experience, what are you thinking?” But four years ago, she started taking acting classes, auditioning and learning from others in the business. She has been cast in more roles than she expected in films, commercials, and theatre. Check out her IMDB profile and the Prime Video film “They Don't Cast Shadows” where she plays Zahvia.
• Guitar - Although Margarita was always interested in learning to play a musical instrument, she never pursued it. When she expressed that she was interested in learning to play the guitar, again, she was told, “At your age? It's too difficult. You have to start when you're young.” Regardless, this didn't dissuade her and several years ago she started taking music lessons and hasn't looked back!

Ivory Freeman is Honored to Spotlight Margarita Perez-Stone

While in her role as Assistant Chief for the County of Los Angeles Probation Department, Margarita made a commitment to herself to get to know the staff. That is a tall order with over 6,000 employees in numerous camps, juvenile halls, and probation and administration offices. She wanted to improve the organization and get to know the people and culture. So, to that end, every week or two, she'd visit a new location and visit staff individually as she walked through the office, cubicle by cubicle.

One day she was in the Crenshaw Probation Office. One of the officers she met really impressed her with how articulate and intelligent she was. She remembered her especially because of the work she was doing in her personal time mentoring young girls. “She really stood out. I was impressed with her passion and her commitment to giving back to her community.”

Months later, Margarita was in the Administration Building for the Board of Supervisors. Margarita saw the same woman in the cafeteria and walked up to her. “Ivory Freeman!” said Margarita. Ivory couldn't believe she remembered her. “I was so impressed by you - how could I forget you?”

In turn, Ivory really appreciates Margarita for the encouragement and help she has provided her. “One of the things I will never forget is Margarita setting up a career development meeting for me with one of the executive officers in our department, and for sending me job opportunities from Alameda County Probation Department. At that time, I believe she had more confidence in my ability than I did. I am forever grateful for Mrs. Perez.

"I was so honored that she had the photograph of my feature in the Los Angeles Magazine in her office. I am so proud to spotlight her for International Women's Day," says Ivory.

March 2023