I am Maria Soto. I am a long time resident of Livingston of which I devote much of my time and planning for development and recreation. Throughout my nearly 50 years of the Livingston lifestyle, I can truly say that my roots continue to provide wings of 5 generations of family; great grandparents, grandparents, parents, myself and my children. From my paternal side my father, Librado Soto, was first generation from Guanajuato, Mexico. He spent his youth in the fields farming beets on the family ranch and attending school in Wyoming. He left school to join the US Army serving 7 years in Germany, then reenlisted in the US Navy of which he retired after 21 years bringing his military communications skill set to the Livingston Telephone Company to continue to raise his children with his wife, my mother Charla Soto. On my maternal side my mother was a second generation of immigrants from Germany and Italy. My great grandparents came and settled in Livingston as farmers and mechanics while raising their children who were all graduates of Livingston High School; my grandmother was Class of 1937, my mother Class of 1955, myself Class of 1988, and my children Class of 2011, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2024 and 2028. My passion is in Livingston, and what I can accomplish on the broader scale of Merced County will bring resources, innovative ideas, and a connectedness throughout our region so that we level the playing field of our hardest and predominant working class in agriculture.

I am currently in education on a temporary position to provide junior high students with a support system to assist them with their needs throughout the “shut down” due to Covid-19. I have been in an educational role for nearly 30 years in various capacities-classroom teacher, supervisor or director as well as grade levels-preschool to include infants and toddlers through to adult school. I was also reelected for a 4 year Council seat for the City of Livingston. I consider this honor as an opportunity to help grow Livingston’s economy as well as develop her infrastructure utilizing our farming industry and creating the potential of opportunity and pride for small businesses.

Among my personal interests, values and passions encompasses my whole life where my parents raised me through their roles in Livingston to serve others and love the community. I am a Lifetime Member of the Veterans of Foriegn War Auxiliary #8327, member of Livingston Lions Club, Livingston Youth Football and Cheer Organization Board Secretary, coordinator of the Miss Independence Scholarship Program, chaired various events such as the Livingston 4th of July Festival and provided numerous volunteer hours to provide my hometown with different venues to promote businesses thus, maximizing profits for owners or stakeholders while maintaining social responsibility for local economy.

Lupita was born and raised in Modesto, CA. She is an experienced Director of External Relations with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in communication, teamwork, leadership, marketing, and social media. Strong community and social services professional currently attending University of California, Merced pursuing a double major in Management and Business Economics, and Psychology.

Lupita is passionate about helping others and striving for new challenges. After she obtains her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a career in public relations and marketing communications while starting her own non-profit organization to support adolescents undergoing of an eating disorder. Lupita believes her experience and ambition have brought her to be an ambassador for the Hispanic Chamber to support local businesses in Merced and build a strong community of leaders.

Email: lcarranza4@ucmerced.edu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lupitacarranza/