Gloria Soto

Gloria Soto was born, raised, and educated in Santa Maria. She comes from an immigrant family who taught her the value of hard work and determination, and whose parents made numerous sacrifices to ensure she would have a chance at a better life. Gloria is a nonprofit professional who, over the last seven years, has worked with Planned Parenthood California Central Coast in a variety of positions, including education, community engagement, and development. In addition, she is a member of the Board of Directors for Future Leaders of America, and she has also served on The Fund for Santa Barbara’s Grant Making Committee (GMC). She is currently the GMC liaison to the Fund’s Board of Directors. Her wide experience with nonprofit organizations has taught her the importance of building coalitions between communities and individuals who share common goals. Gloria is bilingual, bi-cultural, and deeply connected to the many communities in Santa Maria Valley. As a lifelong Santa Marian, Gloria understands the everyday struggles of families in our city and will be a fierce advocate for affordable housing, living wage jobs, and expanding opportunities for all the youth of Santa Maria.