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Meet Gloria

Gloria Soto was born, raised, and educated in Santa Maria. She is the daughter of immigrant farm-worker parents, who made numerous sacrifices to ensure she would have a better life. Gloria took advantage of opportunities afforded to her by her family and community; she is a proud past participant of Future Leaders of America (FLA) and Future Farmers of America (FFA).
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Gloria’s Career

Gloria has dedicated her young professional career to serving her community. She is currently the Executive Director of Future Leaders of America (FLA), one of California’s largest Latinx youth-serving organizations. Before joining the FLA team, Gloria served in various positions at Planned Parenthood California Central Coast (PPCCC), including education, public affairs, and development. As the Director of Public Affairs, she expanded access to quality reproductive health care, including safe and legal abortion, through community engagement and public policy.

Youngest City Councilwoman In Santa Maria History

In 2018, Gloria was the youngest woman elected to the Santa Maria City Council as part of the national wave of young women of color seeking representation in local governments. Gloria is a proud member of The Fund for Santa Barbara family, having served as a Grant Making Committee member and a current Board Member. She also currently serves on the boards of the Allan Hancock Foundation, 805 UndocuFund, and One Community Action.

A Proud Product Of Santa Maria

Today she and her family reside in Santa Maria. Gloria is bilingual, bi-cultural, and deeply connected to the many communities on the Central Coast. Gloria attended Pioneer Valley High School and earned her Associate Degree at Allan Hancock College and her B.A. at Chapman University.

Santa Maria Will Thrive By Helping Our Most Vulnerable

As the daughter of immigrants who benefited from public housing assistance and as a proud product of local public schools, Gloria believes that when our most underserved thrive, we all, the City of Santa Maria, thrive. She wholeheartedly believes in our City and that Santa Maria can lend a hand in making life easier for our most vulnerable, our families, our youth, and our workers.
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Gloria-Soto-Santa-Barbara-Women's-Political-Committee-Vote

Fighting For Policies That Will Help Us All 

“Our community is more important than any political fight. I want to continue pushing for policies that benefit all residents in Santa Maria. I’m committed to making our city government one that listens, learns, and then leads. We must take the time to listen to the needs of residents, learn from them, and adopt policies that increase the quality of life for all members of our community.”
– Councilmember Gloria Soto

Join Our Movement

We have made immense progress in Santa Maria these last four years, but this is just the beginning. Be a part of our grassroots campaign by making a donation today!
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