Maria Cadenas
Economic Opportunity Director votemaria2020.org   Age: 42

I am not a career politician. I am a problem solver and doer. I get things done by focusing on what matters most – people and planet. 

For over 20 years, I have developed practical solutions that improve people’s lives. I have worked with governments, corporations, nonprofits, and policy makers across the world, U.S., California, and in our region. I have raised $2.7 million in COVID-19 relief aid in four months, established Santa Cruz SEEDS to provide newborns with college savings accounts, provided technical assistance to entrepreneurs, worked to increase affordable housing, created internship programs for youth of color, and launched a housing program for children aging out of foster care.

I envision a Santa Cruz with thriving locally owned businesses, affordable housing, living wage jobs, and strong public transit. I will work regionally and with the State and Federal governments to bring resources to our city.  

I will ensure that the diverse lived experiences of our residents inform city decisions. As a single mom, Executive Director of Santa Cruz Community Ventures, a Latina, and a proud resident of Santa Cruz for almost ten years, this is personal to me. 

I look forward to working with you to build a #SantaCruz4All.