SoCal Gas Exec Named ‘Latina of Influence’

Southern California Gas Co. Public Affairs Manager Maria Ventura has been named a “Latina of Influence” by the nationally syndicated PBS program “Hispanic Lifestyle” in recognition of her public service and professional accomplishments. Ventura has been conducting community engagement efforts on behalf of SoCal Gas since 2013, when she joined the utility’s outreach and education division as a project manager. She was appointed public affairs manager in 2014, a role in which she represents the company before local governments, media organizations and area residents. Ventura’s communications career also has included positions with the Los Angeles Unified School District and State Farm Insurance, as well as the offices of L.A. Councilmen Alex Padilla and Tony Cardenas. Ventura serves as vice president on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Ventura. She also sits on the boards of the American Red Cross of California; El Concilio Family Services in Oxnard; United Way of Ventura County; the Ventura County Economic Development Association and the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County. “I am honored to be included among the inspirational trailblazers and accomplished female leaders selected as 2017 Latinas of Influence,” Ventura said in a prepared statement. “My time and energy placed towards helping causes that are important to me is valued and encouraged by my employer.” Ventura and 30 other Latina women will be honored at Hispanic Lifestyle’s Latina Conference in Ontario on April 6.