Angela Trillo will change the way you view memphis

"The first day I came to Memphis, I remember seeing a tree in a little garden. I don't know why, but I knelt down, grounded my fingers in the dirt, and felt this connection. I said, 'Oh my goodness, Memphis, you're hugging me.' And then I said, 'No, you’re not just hugging me. I'm going to ground here. This is where my roots are going to grow.' No idea why I said that, but I knew Memphis was going to be home.” -Angela Trillo

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and to celebrate, we’re spotlighting Angela Trillo, an incredible Memphis leader whose life is driven by service, volunteerism, and a deep love for the future of Memphis. Angela co-founded the Amigo Community Center of the Midsouth with a mission to be a bridge between resources and opportunities for the Latino community, enabling them to progress, educate, and grow.

starting amigo community center

When Angela first moved to Memphis in 2012, she didn’t speak much English, making it difficult to achieve her goals here. Instead of letting it hinder her, she quickly realized many Spanish-speaking Memphians faced the same struggle.

"When I came here, I felt lost at times because of the language barrier, and I knew that if I was feeling this way, many others in my community were too. I wanted to create something that would make sure they had the tools and support to succeed," Angela said.

To help address these challenges, Amigo Community Center started offering educational classes to help members of the Memphis Latino community navigate essential topics such as starting a business, validating their degrees from their home countries, professional development, social media skills, and housing. These classes provide critical knowledge that enables individuals to advance professionally and personally. 

partnering with give901

Angela’s journey of giving back was recently exemplified through Amigo's partnership with Give901 for an event called “Celebrando Nuestro Camino.” Five panelists shared their journeys towards achieving “The American Dream” and the challenges they overcame. Angela’s passion for helping others inspired her to create this event to give people a platform to share their stories and help others facing similar struggles.

"We all have challenges, but when we share our stories, we remind others that they're not alone, that they can overcome whatever obstacles they're facing," Angela shared.

growing in memphis

Angela’s story may be one of the most inspiring of all. We met on a rainy morning at Voodoo Cafe over voodoo-shaped beignets, a culinary feat that enamored Angela. With both Italian and Venezuelan parents, her personality is everything you would expect: she’s colorful, lively, and incredibly passionate. Her connection to Memphis is as deep as her roots in the soil that she grounded herself in when she first arrived.

“Memphis is a place that welcomes you. It's a city that gives you the chance to build something meaningful. From the moment I arrived, I felt embraced, and that’s why I’ve stayed. It’s given me the opportunity to grow, not just as a professional but as a person,” Angela said. 

the importance of community service

Her life has always been driven by the belief that community service is important to both personal and professional development. “I've always felt that my purpose is to serve and love unconditionally. I’ve been volunteering since I was a child in Venezuela. I used to go to retirement homes and talk to elderly people who felt lonely. It’s always been a part of who I am. Every time I’ve volunteered, I’ve learned something new about myself and the community. It’s not just about what you give; it's about what you gain in terms of experience, empathy, and understanding. It has made me more compassionate and resilient, and that’s why I incorporate service into everything I do. I’ve carried that passion with me wherever I’ve gone.”

how to unlock memphis’ potential

Angela has continued to invest in Memphis through service because she believes in its potential. "Memphis is like a raw diamond: the most beautiful diamond in the world. But a raw diamond is full of dirt and rocks. If you have the patience to work on it, you will make it into something amazing. We all have a role in building a brighter future for Memphis. It’s not about one organization or one person; it’s about all of us working together. When we invest in Memphis—when we give our time, our resources, and our hearts—we create a stronger community for everyone. I see Memphis as a place where we can create something beautiful from nothing. The opportunities are here, and if we work together and believe in the vision, we can turn Memphis into the most beautiful diamond in the world."