“He Dared to Dream”

 

As an immigrant and child of farm workers, Jose Solorio never imagined what he would be able to achieve. He did believe his parents that through study and hard work, he could one day earn a good living and raise a family.
 
During his undergraduate studies at UC Irvine, given his achievements as a student leader, he was inspired by a friend to pursue a masters degree in public policy at Harvard University. Curious about this suggestion, Jose researched it, committed to it, and he dared to dream.
 
His work ethic and passion for public policy have taken him to remarkable places: Harvard University, the California State Legislature, and Santa Ana City Hall. In addition to his public service roles, he’s enjoyed a successful professional career in community outreach, government affairs and marketing. He’s honed his skills through work at The Market Connection, Orange County Transportation Authority, Nossaman LLP, Orange County Education & Leadership Fund, COSMOS statewide stem program, and Moulton Niguel Water District. Through these roles, Jose has become one of Orange County's most effective public policy professionals and advocates regularly for education, infrastructure, public safety and local community needs.

Remembering his own childhood, and thinking about the needs of residents and businesses in California, Jose prioritizes the safety of families, the education and well-being of children, investing in local infrastructure and neighborhood improvements, and partnering with the private sector to ensure a strong economy and create jobs that pay a living wage.

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Professionally, Jose has been recently focused on ensuring local communities in Southern California and throughout the state have access to safe, clean and abundant sources of drinking water. He is a director of external affairs and business development for California American Water, serves as a board member on the Southern California Water Coalition, and is a gubernatorial appointee to the California Water Commission. 

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As a parent, Jose continues to teach Michael (now a Stanford University graduate) and Diego (now studying at Princeton University) that with hard work and a good education, anything in possible in California. He also encourages them — and all children — to dare to dream!