“Not being a native English speaker helps me empathize with students who may face academic difficulties,” she explains. “I believe that achieving their goals isn’t about willpower alone—it’s about having access to the right resources.”
Her love for learning began at an early age. “I’ve always loved school,” Marrugi recalls. “In college, I chose a major that would let me share that passion and make a positive impact on the future. That’s why I became a teacher.”
That passion for learning motivated Marrugi to become the first in her family to graduate from high school and college. She earned degrees in educational leadership from Wayne State University, Grand Valley State University, and Oakland University while balancing multiple jobs and responsibilities.
“I wanted to set an example—not just for my siblings but for other Chaldean women,” she says. “I wanted to show that education can transform your life, even when it’s hard.”
Marrugi credits much of her success to the people who supported her along the way, including her favorite teacher, Mrs. Jagnecki. “She created a welcoming and supportive environment when I was an English learner,” Marrugi recalls. “She believed in me and stayed connected throughout my education. That’s all we ever want as students—someone who believes in us.”
Now, as principal, Marrugi’s favorite part of her role is connecting with students. “I love seeing their smiles, watching them grow, and witnessing their learning,” she shares. Her number one wish for her students is simple: “I wish every child had a person in their life who believed in them, protected them, advocated for them, and ensured they had a loving and safe home to return to each day.”
Faith and family are the two most influential factors in Marrugi’s life, and among the Moral Focus virtues, integrity stands out as her favorite. “Integrity speaks to my soul because it’s what you do when no one else is looking that makes you who you are as a person,” she explains.
Marrugi’s career is filled with notable accomplishments, including contributing to Michigan’s updated Social Studies Standards, earning second place in the History Channel’s Civil War Lesson Plan Contest, and serving as the Michigan Chair for the “Do the Write Thing” Essay Challenge.
Outside of school, she enjoys getting creative. “I love crafting—I can make something out of just about anything,” she laughs. She also enjoys gardening and cooking new recipes, often combining the two by growing herbs and using them in her recipes.
Quick Facts:
- Marrugi attended Harvard University’s National Institute for Urban School Leaders.
- In eighth grade, she won a writing contest, and her poem was published in the Library of Congress.
- Her favorite meal is Chaldean Biryani, topped off with German Chocolate cake for dessert.
- When the Olympics are on, you’ll find her watching her favorite sport – gymnastics!
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About Taylor Exemplar Academy
Taylor Exemplar Academy is a free public charter school in Taylor, Mich., serving students in Young 5s through 12th grade in partnership with Taylor Preparatory High School, a school that falls under National Heritage Academies (NHA) portfolio. NHA is a charter school management company in Grand Rapids, Mich. which has more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 60,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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