Alicia Skupin is a first-generation Latina who has owned a small business and is a former high school teacher.

She came to Chandler in 2014 after serving as a judge in a few different courts around the region.

Skupin has also served in various municipal organizations.

She said, in a recent interview posted to chandleraz.gov, the real work of the court happens in city courts.

“The cities are where the work gets done for the majority of folks,” Skupin said. “Having representation at the local level is what really makes the maximum impact when someone can see a judge who looks like them sitting on the bench.”

Which person or people are your inspiration, and why? I am inspired by underdog stories. Someone who makes several attempts, fails multiple times, and eventually succeeds at something. I am also inspired by everyday individuals who get up every day, put in honest work, and look out for their families and neighbors – it is not glamorous – but they are the building blocks of our communities. My parents are those people – good people with good hearts – they inspire me to be better.

How do you define a successful day in a courtroom? For the court system – a successful day means that the people who appeared felt they were understood and respected and that they walk away feeling that they were treated fairly. Recently, there has been a decline in public trust in the judicial system — a successful day means that you earned some of that public trust back and it happens one person at a time.

Like many Valley residents, you’re a longtime/lifelong Arizonan. What’s your favorite part of the state to visit, outside the Valley? I am a proud Arizona native. I have had opportunities to visit many small towns, fishing lakes, and campgrounds around the state. My favorite spots are places with interesting history like the mining towns. I have enjoyed visiting Jerome several times. I like ghost stories – and Jerome has the most haunted hotel in Arizona.

We understand you are bilingual, Spanish and English. Do you know if many other Valley magistrates have that same skill set, and how does being bilingual help you perform your daily duties as a magistrate? Spanish was my first language — my mother is originally from Sonora, Mexico. Unfortunately, there are not many judges who are bilingual. Officially, judges use certified court interpreters when we are on the record in a courtroom. However, I do speak Spanish almost daily when I am in court, off the record, to help people feel more comfortable. When I have a Spanish-speaker appearing before me and they realize that I understand them and can communicate with them — I immediately notice a sense of relief come over them — it is very rewarding. The court system can be very intimidating for most people. I believe being bilingual helps me build trust with non-English speakers.

What’s something most Americans don’t know about magistrates? Many people come to court believing that a judge or magistrate has all the power and that we have the discretion to dismiss cases. Judges have limited power. Judges are more like umpires — we manage cases, attorneys, and the courtroom to ensure that the parties follow rules and procedures. We typically do not have the authority to dismiss many cases.

What is your favorite book? I am a big fan of our public libraries and enjoy reading. I used to be a high school English teacher. For fun, I enjoy murder mysteries. I’m also a “self-help” junkie and like reading books about teamwork, organization, and leadership. However, my all-time favorite book is Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. It is timeless — with a fascinating backstory, rich imagery and symbolism, and iconic characters.

We assume you’ve met many other magistrates. Are there some personal characteristics or traits common across the profession? Overall, the common trait that magistrates have is the desire to serve. Most of the people I know who have become judges are good-hearted people, with a deep respect for the law, and they all have a sincere commitment to serving our communities and ensuring that our justice system is fair for everyone involved in the process.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org