Young Professional of the Month: Carlos Escobedo

Santa Maria Connect Young Professionals is a Young Professionals program run by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. Each month, the program will showcase a local young professional. This month's showcase is Carlos Escobedo, Santa Maria City Council District 1 Representative.

Talk a bit about yourself. What do you do professionally and what are your hobbies?

I am a 27years old young professional and first generation American who moved with my family from San Martin de Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, pursing the American Dream. I know from experience the dedication it takes to labor in the broccoli fields, how exhausting it is working as a cashier during the night shift, being a cook, and being a server in a hotel banquet department.

I currently work as Student Success Outreach Specialist at Allan Hancock College where I have been able to provide support and guidance to thousands of Santa Marians in the process of applying to higher education and technical careers.

As Event Coordinator for Santa Maria Open Streets ¡Calles Vivas!, last year I brought together more than 150 free activity providers and around 20,000 community members on West Main Street, receiving the recognition as the Young Professional 2019 awarded by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce.

I was elected into the City Council in November 2020 by voters in City Council District 1, the northwest portion of the City.

In my free time I enjoy going hiking, riding my bicycle, running, reading, dancing, public speaking, traveling, amount others.

How are you involved in the community outside of your job?

Since I arrived to Santa Maria I sought to contribute to our community. One example was the creation of the first Toastmasters club in Spanish on the Central Coast “Toastmasters Valle de Santa María”, of which I was the Founding President.

I currently serve as Commissioner for the Fifth District on the Human Services Commission of Santa Barbara County. As Commissioner he works hard to protect and sustain the human services safety net that benefits thousands of individuals and families.

I also volunteer for more than 10 different great organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Bici Centro, Santa Barbara Food Bank, United Way, Rotary International, Serve Santa Maria to mention few.

Why do you enjoy giving back to the community?

Because this is my new home and I work hard every day to make of it a better place for our neighbors, friends and families.

Why would you encourage other young professionals to get involved/give back to their local community?

One of my best friends, Andrew Millar (rest in peace) taught me something that I will never forget. He said “Carlos, you

need to invest in the community and the community will believe and trust in you”. I think that we are all co responsible of the future of Santa Maria. We all can be an agent of change.

What is your favorite thing about Santa Maria?

The people. Moving from another country was a huge transition but the way that Santamarians welcomed us is a debt I will never going to be able to repay.

If you are interested in Santa Maria Connect or have a suggestion for a Young Professional of the Month feature, email Alex Castillo at alex@santamaria.com.