Somerton has new special events coordinator
SOMERTON – The Somerton City Council has a new special events coordinator whose work will soon be evident in the city celebrations offered to residents and visitors.
Valeria Castro, a 23-year-old graduate of the University of Arizona in 2022 with a degree in Business Administration specializing in Marketing, has been the new coordinator of special events for the city since Jan. 8.
Born in Yuma and raised in San Luis, Castro graduated from San Luis High School and, through her involvement in sports, became familiar with community events, which she wanted to be a part of since then.
The opportunity for her in Somerton opened up when the position became vacant and was opened for recruitment, a competition in which she was selected among several applicants.
“I always saw the events and wanted to be a part of that; when I saw that this position opened up, I said ‘Why not?’ I wanted to serve in my community,” she explained.
“I saw the growth of Somerton and so many things happening here, like the high school and other programs. I think I can contribute,” added Castro.
Before joining Somerton, Castro had marketing experiences in the private sector, first as an intern for the multinational real estate company Engel & Völkers, and later as a sales and marketing representative for the tool company Techtronic Industries.
The new special events coordinator expressed gratitude to the Parks and Recreation Department, as well as the mayor and city council, for the opportunity to serve in the position.
“My goal is to make the existing events stronger and promote them more because they are significant events and beloved by the community,” Castro concluded, adding that she will also take the opportunity to suggest new activities and events.
The first event Castro is coordinating is the Petpalooza pet event, scheduled for Feb. 3.