Marian LaLonde

Video: 40 Under 40 Woman of the Year
Marian LaLonde

'Who I am makes a difference."

That message graces a ribbon that was given to Marian LaLonde by a college professor who told her we make an impact in the lives of others, often without knowing it.

That message stuck with LaLonde, 29, the 2008 40 Under 40 Woman of the Year. LaLonde went from a homeless, troubled youth on the streets of Tucson to become an advocate for other youths, as well as a rising star and associate attorney at DeConcini, McDonald, Yetwin and Lacy, PC. She started there as a law school intern one summer.

"Most of us had parents and other relatives to deal with life situations when we were children," says John Lacy, a partner at the firm. "Marian has had to do all of that herself, which I believe has helped her develop the qualities of diplomacy, tenacity and patience, which have been a tremendous help to working with our clients and in bringing disparate groups together."

LaLonde, who mainly deals in natural resources law, recently mitigated the interests among a mining client, residents on various tracts of Navajo land and the tribal government so that everyone walked away feeling good about it. She did it, Lacy says, by being respectful of all parties.

To achieve all that she has, says nominator Rudy Carillo, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Meritage Homes, is impressive.

"She was taken from her biological parents and entered Youth on Their Own in high school," Carillo says. "Now she's the first female president and the first alumni on the YOTO board and stands as an inspiration to kids who have experienced the same and can see that you can still succeed. She's got a full heart and clear mind."

Mary Gruensfelder-Cox, executive director of YOTO, a nonprofit organization, concurs. She sees LaLonde as not only a success story, but also someone she feels privileged to work alongside.

Even though Gruensfelder-Cox jokes about LaLonde being all about horses - memorabilia and photos fill her office -Êand a "night" person, requiring lots of caffeinated cola to get her to meetings before 10 a.m., she says it's a cool thing that LaLonde is the YOTO board president because she's been there, done that.

"She holds the bar high for everyone and is compassionate when we make policy decisions because she has that sensitivity and a real visceral sense of what it means to work with these kids," she says.

How does LaLonde keep her daily perspective? With that simple reminder - pulling out the blue ribbon that says she makes a difference and passing that message along to others.