SoCalGas’ senior public affairs manager Maria Ventura was recently honored as “2022 Business Leader of the Year” by the Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) for years of championing the local Ventura County community through exceptional leadership and charitable service. Maria is the first woman of color to receive this award. In addition to the VCLA award, Maria was also recently included in Pacific Coast Business Times’ Top 50 Women in Business. 

“Giving back to the community is the right thing to do and I am grateful to work for SoCalGas, which encourages my volunteerism,” said Maria. “I am humbled and honored and consider this recognition as a testament of perseverance — my own and the generations of women before me.  I often tell young people and community members I meet with that they can accomplish anything — sometimes, we just have to give them the opportunities and tools to do so.”

Maria’s journey to leadership is unique and inspiring. She is a first-generation American, raised in part by a teen mom who grew up in Mexico. At a young age, she realized the importance of education and was determined to make her family proud. Her love of education coupled with a passion for public policy and community advocacy led her to her current role at SoCalGas.

Maria advocates for others by inspiring and giving a voice to those who may not have a seat at the table. She is a leader in supporting the local community and charitable issues across Ventura County. This includes providing charitable donations to local organizations such as Food Share, food and necessity donations to farm workers, and assisting with grants and donations to provide low-income families in Ventura County access to affordable energy service.

"We honor distinguished business leaders like Maria Ventura – those who lead with heart and are committed to helping others succeed along the way”, said Pattie Braga, Executive Director of Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA). “Maria exemplified VCLA’s mission – local leaders working together to impact change in our community so that everyone can thrive.” 

In addition to her work at SoCalGas, Maria serves on several community boards including the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura, Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast and El Concilio.