Black History Month: El Centro Council member leads the way in the community
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - To celebrate Black History Month, we are highlighting different community leaders who are making a difference. This week, we recognize and shine a spotlight on El Centro City Council member Sonia Carter.
Council member Carter is currently serving on her first term. She's the only African-American City Council member in the Imperial Valley.
"I'm strongly for the people by the people. The people are why we do this. We keep pushing for them," said Carter.
The mother and El Centro native wears many hats in the community. She's worked with the El Centro School District for nearly three decades.
"That inspired me to work for the PTO, and I did that as far as being the president of the PTO, and that inspired me of leadership," said Carter.
She says one of her favorite memories with the city was serving as the former mayor.
"It gave me the inspiration that I can do anything because I didn't stop. Seven days a week I served the people, and that's because I wanted to...not because the city pushes you to. It's because you want to. And you see the needs and the desires of the community and what you can do to help them and inspire them. I'm all for it," said Carter.
She's held three statewide leadership roles with Cal Cities and was recently appointed to the League of California Cities Public Safety Policy Committee.
Carter is also an advocate for her church and says she's passionate about volunteerism. In addition to her faith, she says she couldn't do it all without her team.
"My colleagues, we're a team of five...a strong team of five. And it takes all of us decision making to get everything done," said Carter.
Her team shares the same gratitude
"It's nice being on a team with council member Carter because she leads with heart and vision. She genuinely cares about the city, and that shows in how she approaches decisions and projects. Having someone who is both committed and supportive makes the entire team stronger and helps us move forward together for the good of El Centro," said El Centro Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Camarena.
For those interested in joining similar leadership roles, Carter shares some words of advice.
"The advice that I have is stand on the leadership that you're given. When people talk to you, listen. When they discipline you, take that discipline. When they try to inspire you, take it. Don't sit up here and knock people or try to backpedal as far as what you don't want to do. Take it and go with it because leadership is important and it's not easy. But in order for you to get somewhere and be in a leadership position, you're going to have to deal with discipline. And if you cannot have somebody disciplining you, it's not going to work for you, so my best advice is take the criticism and go with it," said Carter.
