Calm in the chaos.
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Courage in the fight.
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Calm in the chaos. ☆ Courage in the fight. ☆
Meet Carina Santa Maria
Candidate for Illinois State Senate | District 27
Hi, I’m Carina—a proud Arlington Heights resident, licensed clinical social worker, nonprofit CEO, mom, and passionate advocate for community-centered leadership.
As the Executive Director of Shelter, Inc., I’ve spent over a decade fighting for vulnerable children and families—navigating complex systems, building statewide partnerships, and driving policy change that creates real, lasting impact.
My lived experience as a first-generation American—the daughter of immigrant parents, including a refugee father who taught me the value of resilience—fuels everything I do. I believe our communities deserve bold, compassionate leaders who understand both the challenges people face and the systems we need to improve.
Now, I’m running for Illinois State Senate in District 27—because our communities need leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and delivers results.
My Experience
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Scaled the agency from $1.8M to $6.7M in 6 years
Expanded crisis services, housing, and foster care support
Led strategic planning, financial stewardship, and program innovation
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Appointed to the Cook County Child Death Review Committee and Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council
Helped develop Illinois’ first DCFS-approved home for child trafficking survivors
Advocated for housing ordinances supporting youth aging out of foster care
Consulted internationally with governments in Kosovo and the UAE on child welfare systems
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker with deep experience in trauma-informed care
Built partnerships with DCFS, DHS, and ACF to serve youth in crisis
Awarded a UNICEF grant to establish a foster care system abroad
Quick Facts About Me
First-Generation American
Daughter of immigrant parents; father was a refugee who instilled values of resilience, hard work, and community.
Arlington Heights Resident & Mom
Deeply involved in the community, cheering on local sports, supporting schools, and raising her family here.
Passionate Public Servant
Committed to creating a thriving and supportive Arlington Heights for all.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Nonprofit CEO
Executive Director of Shelter, Inc., a child welfare agency in Arlington Heights.
Works directly with families facing crises, finding solutions to complex community challenges.
Policy & Government Experience
Led the creation of Illinois' first DCFS-approved home for victims of child trafficking.
Advocated for and helped pass an ordinance for housing solutions for youth aging out of foster care.
Member of the Cook County Child Review Committee and Statewide Foster Care Council, amplifying voices of vulnerable children.
International Humanitarian & Policy Consultant
Awarded a UNICEF grant to help establish a foster care system in Kosovo, working with government officials.
Consults for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government on social issues, including child welfare and independent living programs for youth aging out of foster care.
Advised UAE officials on culturally appropriate approaches to entertainment and psychological well-being.
Recognition & Media Features
National Association of Social Workers (Illinois Chapter) – Leader of the Year Award
Recognized for successfully running a 24/7 crisis service during COVID-19
Work featured on NBC, ABC News for innovative solutions in social work and community impact
Why I’m Running For Senate
I’ve spent my entire career in the spaces where policy meets people—whether advocating for foster youth, securing housing for families in crisis, or helping governments build systems that work.
This isn’t theoretical for me. I’ve written grants, balanced million-dollar budgets, built coalitions, and pushed legislation—all while staying deeply connected to the real-life needs of children, families, and neighborhoods across Illinois.
I’m running for State Senate because I want to bring that same energy, expertise, and empathy to Springfield. Our district deserves someone who understands how government works—and how it needs to change.
My Leadership Principles
Creative Complex Problem-Solver
From crisis intervention to state-level systems change, I know how to get to the root of a problem and build solutions that work.
Fiscal Responsibility
I’ve grown a nonprofit while staying accountable to public and private funders. I believe in investing wisely—and transparently.
Collaborative Leader
I work across aisles, agencies, and cultures to build partnerships that move policy forward.
Community Advocate
Housing, education, mental health, equity, public safety—I will always fight for people over politics.
Around the District: Q+A
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Because our communities deserve a representative who understands the system and the people it’s meant to serve. I’ve done that work my whole career—and I’m ready to take it to the next level.
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I bring a rare blend of hands-on experience and policy-level leadership. I’ve worked in the trenches and in legislative chambers. I don’t just talk about change—I make it happen.
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Thriving—with stronger community services, more affordable housing, accessible mental health care, and smarter development that balances progress with sustainability.
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Affordability. We need solutions that tackle rising costs—without sacrificing essential services or leaving families behind. I’ll bring creative funding strategies and cross-sector partnerships to the table.
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The sense of connection, the diversity of experiences, and the shared belief in building a better future.
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Yes. I would work to break down language and cultural barriers, expand inclusive representation, and invest in community engagement efforts that reflect the full richness of our district.
The Latest
Thank you for considering me, Carina H. Santa Maria, for Illinois State Senate | District 27