Meet the City of Goleta’s First Spanish Engagement Specialist

Source: City of Goleta

The City of Goleta is pleased to announce the hiring of the City’s first-ever Spanish Engagement Specialist. Marcos Martinez, who has been working as a Goleta Valley Library Technician for the past three years, is now working part-time with the City’s Community Relations team doing Spanish outreach.  

City of Goleta Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover said, “Marcos has a sincere desire to help us grow our Spanish Engagement in the City of Goleta and we are so excited to see the impact he will make. He has already been doing timely Spanish translation of press releases and other City outreach this past year and is in a perfect position to help us expand our communication efforts.”

Marcos grew up in San Diego and moved to Santa Barbara ten years ago to attend UCSB. He double majored in Global Studies and Chicano Studies. Currently, he is finishing a master’s degree in Library and Information Science. At the Goleta Valley Library, Marcos coordinates After School Homework Help, the Tech Tutoring Program, the Spanish Book Club and Bilingual Storytimes. 

Marcos said, “Everything I have achieved, I owe to the love and support of my parents. As native Spanish-speakers, it was the tools and resources that local government agencies provided to them that paved the way to where I am today. The ability to give back to those that gave so much to me and my family is something I truly cherish. I am excited to build deeper connections with families in the community and see how we can better engage and serve our Spanish community in the same life-changing manner that my family received. I am proud to work for the City of Goleta, a place that supports the growth, development, and empowerment of all members of our community.”

Marcos is now the primary point of contact for all Spanish inquiries for the City. You can either find him at the Goleta Valley Library, Goleta City Hall, or out in the community. Please feel free to email him at mmartinez@cityofgoleta.org or espanol@cityofgoleta.org. To reach Marcos by phone, call (805) 562-5500.