ABOUT MARGARET

Margaret D'Arrigo, a third-generation resident of the Salinas Valley, grew up as one of six children in District 3. From a young age, she developed a passion for farming and innovation, thanks to her family's strong agricultural background.

Throughout her career, Margaret has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the fresh produce industry. She has played a key role in her family's company while establishing a successful consulting business. With her deep industry knowledge, she has led initiatives to improve production efficiency, champion sustainability, and expand market reach.

Margaret's dedication to community development has earned her widespread recognition and awards for her contributions to agriculture and philanthropy, tackling food insecurity, and promoting education in underserved communities.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Managerial Economics from UC Davis and an MBA from CSUMB, Margaret serves as a Trustee of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System and Hartnell Community College. Her notable achievements include spearheading the Salad Bars in Schools program, co-founding Impower to support women in need, and developing the Salinas Valley Promise Program, which provides free tuition for incoming freshman students at Hartnell College. She will soon join the Board of Girls, Inc. of the Central Coast.

Margaret continues to inspire others with her vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Outside work, she enjoys traveling, staying active, painting, and spending time with her 19-year-old twin sons, supporting their professional and athletic pursuits.

  • Elected Board of Trustee for Hartnell College

  • Elected Board of Trustee for SVMH

  • Chair, United Way Board

  • President, Grower Shipper Association

  • Co-Founder, Impower

  • Chair, Hartnell College Foundation

  • Vice President, Youth Empowerment - AIM Youth Mental Health

  • Treasurer, Food Bank for Monterey County

  • Board member, Salinas City Center Improvement

  • Board member, Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce

  • Board member, Rancho Cielo

EXPERIENCE

  • Contributor, Siempre Latinos

  • Board member, CSUMB Women’s Leadership

  • Board member, Women’s Fund for Monterey County

  • Past Treasurer, Food Bank for Monterey County

  • Co-Chair, Hartnell Agriculture Steering Committee

  • Mentor, Pay It Forward for Future Citizens Foundation

  • Steering Partner, Bright Futures initiative

  • Lead, YMCA Capital Campaign

  • President, Circle-member-Hartnell

  • Lead, Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Community Engagement

  • Hartnell College President Task Force

AWARDS

Athena Award - Salinas Valley Chamber

Ag woman of year - Ag Against Hunger

Ag Leadership graduate & awardee

Hartnell Leadership award

Jefferson award

Jr. Achievement Laureate

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Spearheaded the dual language program at Lincoln Elementary

Salad Bars in Schools - Grower Shipper Association Foundation


Helped launch Brighter Bites in Monterey County


Helped Lincoln Elementary School receive funding for smart board technology


Developed the Salinas Valley Promise Program – free tuition 2 years for incoming high school students