MERIDEN, CT — The 2025 municipal election is heating up in Meriden with plenty of races on the ballot.
Voters will cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 election for the position of mayor, along with seats on the City Council and Board of Education.
Meriden Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.
Occupation:
As a Realtor, I take pride in helping families find a place they can truly call home. I’ve built my career around trust, empathy, and commitment to my clients, ensuring that every family I work with feels supported and informed throughout the process. Beyond real estate, I dedicate much of my time to community service and leadership. I currently serve as Chairwoman of the HOLA Committee under the Midstate Chamber of Commerce, where I help raise funds for educational scholarships and empower Hispanic leaders and youth. I also serve on several local boards and committees, including the Midstate Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Meriden Hall of Fame Committee, the City of Meriden Human Rights Advisory Board, the Tax Appeals Board, and the Women and Families Center Board. I’m also the PTO President at Edison Middle School, where my children attend, and a proud member of the Connecticut Democratic Hispanic Caucus and Latinas in Politics (CLIP). My mission has always been to give back, uplift others, and help strengthen the community I love.
Family:
My small, loving family is composed of my husband, Edgar Santiago, and our four beautiful children: Samuel (14), Steniel (13), Bella (10), and my stepdaughter Luna (2). They are my greatest motivation and the reason I strive to make a difference every day.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
None of my family members work in or are part of politics or government.
Previous public office, appointive or elective:
I have not been appointed, elected, or held any public office position before.
Why are you seeking this office?
I decided to run for the Meriden Board of Education because I believe every child deserves a voice, especially those who often go unheard. As a mother of three children in the Meriden Public Schools, including three with IEP plans, I understand firsthand the importance of communication, transparency, and strong support systems between families, educators, and administrators. My goal is to help build bridges between the schools and the community—ensuring that parents feel heard, students feel supported, and teachers have the tools they need to succeed. I believe leadership means service, and government should reflect the values and needs of the people it represents.
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ensuring that all students—especially those with special education needs—receive the resources, attention, and programs they deserve to thrive. I intend to advocate for more inclusive support systems, open communication between schools and families, and consistent community engagement to ensure that decisions made reflect real student needs.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
What sets me apart from the majority of current elected officials seeking reelection to the Board of Education is that I am an actively involved parent with children currently in the Meriden Public Schools. This gives me a real-time perspective on the daily experiences and challenges students, parents, and teachers face. My platform focuses on youth mentorship, family engagement, accessibility, transparency, and stronger support for special education programs. I will bring the perspective of a mother, a mentor, and an advocate—someone who lives the reality of our school system every day.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
In addition to advocating for special education support, I intend to focus on increasing parent involvement, creating more opportunities for youth mentorship, and promoting monthly community engagement events to strengthen the connection between families and schools. I also want to ensure transparency in communication and decision-making so that every family feels informed and included.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have successfully served as Chairwoman of the HOLA Committee under the Midstate Chamber of Commerce, where I’ve helped raise funds for educational scholarships and organized community events that empower local youth and families. Alongside my husband, Edgar Santiago, I also co-lead our Youth Ministry, where we mentor young people and guide them spiritually and emotionally. My passion for service, leadership experience, and dedication to youth and education all reflect my ability to serve effectively on the Board of Education. My “why” has always been my children and all the students who deserve to know that their voices matter.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I’ve ever received is that there’s nothing you can’t accomplish if you have perseverance, discipline, and determination. Never give up—if you fall three times, stand up three more times. Each time you rise, you learn something new that makes you stronger.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I want voters to know that I’m not running for a title—I’m running to make a difference. I’m guided by faith, family, and purpose. I believe that together, we can build stronger schools, empower our youth, and inspire a culture of compassion and inclusion in our community. I’m committed to showing up, listening, and leading with heart—for our children, our families, and the future of Meriden.
