Her Story
About Loretta
Loretta Trujillo, CPA, CIA, CrFAC, is an accomplished accounting and finance professional with more than five decades of experience spanning corporate and operations accounting, financial management, auditing, consulting, forensic accounting, and fraud investigation. She currently serves as Assistant Controller at Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc., bringing extensive experience across the mining, manufacturing, investment, finance, and banking sectors. Throughout her career, she has held senior accounting and consulting positions, including financial analyst, finance and accounting consultant, consulting manager, and controller-level roles.
Trujillo's expertise includes SOX controls, internal auditing, forensic accounting, fraud investigation, project cost analysis, financial reporting, and process improvement. Her career has included work supporting hospitals, IT projects, international consulting assignments in Mexico and Argentina, and major mining organizations. One of her most notable professional achievements was uncovering fraud in Mexico City while working independently on a SOX controls assignment, which resulted in a broader investigation involving forensic accountants and private investigators. She has also developed and applied financial controls and provided accounting and consulting support to organizations of varying sizes and industries.
A determined and accomplished professional, Trujillo earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Accounting from Arizona State University after completing 11 years of night classes while working and raising two children. She attributes much of her success to her intellect, resilience, and refusal to give up despite significant personal and professional challenges. Having built her career in a traditionally male-dominated field, she is passionate about demonstrating the capabilities of women and encouraging the next generation to recognize their potential. She also believes strongly in collaboration and mentorship, having helped develop an employee who later served with the FBI.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Loretta
01What do you attribute your success to?
I consider myself a self-made woman. I experienced a difficult childhood and became very independent, but I never gave up. I believe I have been gifted with a strong intellect and have always been determined to keep moving forward. One of the greatest demonstrations of that determination was earning my bachelor's degree through 11 years of night school while working at Honeywell and raising two young children. My persistence, intellect, and willingness to keep pursuing my goals have been fundamental to my success.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Whenever I speak with a young person, I tell them that they have no idea what they are truly capable of until they reach a point where they have to demonstrate what they can do. There is often much more ability within you than you realize. I encourage young women to recognize their own potential, develop their confidence, and never give up. You have tenacity, and you have what it takes to succeed. If I can do it, anybody can do it.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being one of very few women in a male-dominated industry during the 1970s taught me the importance of intellect, collaboration, persistence, and strategic thinking. I learned to use my expertise and work collaboratively with male managers to communicate and implement my ideas effectively. One of my most significant professional accomplishments was uncovering fraud in Mexico City while working independently on a SOX controls assignment, which ultimately led to an investigation involving forensic accountants and private investigators.
I also value mentorship and giving others opportunities to succeed. I mentored an employee who went on to work for the FBI for 10 years. My mother's influence, including her involvement in politics and being invited to the White House, also inspired my own tenacity and determination.
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