December 11, 2024
Meet the Expert: Gloria Soto, Future Leaders of America
By Paula Valle
As the executive director of Future Leaders of America (FLA) and a city council member in Santa Maria, Gloria Soto has dedicated her career to empowering the next generation of Latino leaders. Her own journey began as a child of field workers, supported by local social services. “That transformative experience of upward mobility is what has really inspired and motivated me in my professional career,” Soto explains.
Soto’s introduction to leadership came at 14, when she attended an FLA youth leadership conference. For the first time, she saw herself in the college students and young professionals leading the program. “That was when I believed a college education was possible for me,” she says. “It was also the first time I felt proud of my cultural background and family roots.” This pivotal experience inspired her continued involvement with FLA and shaped her academic and leadership path.
After earning her associate’s degree, Soto graduated from Chapman University and began her career as a health educator at Planned Parenthood. “That role opened my eyes to how policies and people in influential positions impact access to healthcare and basic needs,” she recalls. This realization fueled her passion for advocacy and public service, ultimately leading her to run for a seat on the Santa Maria City Council in 2018.
Running for office as a young Latina was challenging. “Many people didn’t think I was a viable candidate,” Soto says. “But little by little, we painted a vision for a thriving Santa Maria, and that’s what voters responded to.” Now in her second term, she champions public transportation, library access, and affordable housing while balancing these efforts with her role at FLA.
As FLA’s executive director, Soto sees her work as a continuation of her own journey. “Once you’ve made it, it’s your job to make sure other Latinos can get in the door too,” she says. Under her leadership, FLA empowers young people through peer-to-peer leadership and participatory action research, helping youth address issues in their own communities with meaningful solutions.
Soto’s work with FLA has also been bolstered by the support of Latina Futures 2050 Lab. “The collaboration and partnership with Latina Futures has been invaluable,” she explains. “Through this relationship, we’ve been able to provide significant resources and opportunities to the Latina future leaders we work with.” She believes this access is crucial, as Latinas often face unique challenges in leadership.
“Latinas often underestimate their own capabilities and qualifications,” Soto notes. “Having an organization like Latina Futures that provides mentorship, funding, and support is essential for empowering this next generation.” She sees the partnership as a powerful combination, with FLA providing direct engagement with youth and Latina Futures amplifying their voices and opportunities.
