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
I’m a mom, advocate, and longtime public servant who has spent my career working alongside families—not above them.
As a first‑generation American and working mother, I understand the pressures families face every day. I’ve built my career by listening, problem‑solving, and delivering results—not playing political games.
I’m running for State Senate to bring common‑sense leadership, compassion, and accountability back to Springfield—and to make sure suburban voices are heard loud and clear.
My Experience
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Scaled the agency from $1.8M to $10M in 6 years
Expanded crisis services, housing, and foster care support
Led strategic planning, financial stewardship, and program innovation
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In 2025, I was elected to serve as a Village Trustee in Arlington Heights. While my term is still in its early stages, this role has already deepened my understanding of how policy decisions directly affect the daily lives of residents. I’ve had the opportunity to listen closely to community concerns, navigate the intricacies of municipal governance, and weigh how local decisions align with broader state systems. This experience has reinforced my belief that good governance starts with listening first, then leading with integrity—a principle I’ll carry with me to the Illinois Senate.
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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
When I talk with families around their kitchen tables, I hear the same thing again and again: people are doing everything right, but it’s still getting harder to make ends meet.
The stock market may be up, but grocery bills, property taxes, and healthcare costs are squeezing working families. Parents are worried about safety, struggling with childcare, and wondering if their kids will ever be able to afford to live in the communities they grew up in.
I’m running to take your stories and your concerns to Springfield — to fight for real solutions that make life more affordable, our streets safer, and our state more compassionate. Because Illinois works best when we all have a fair shot, and when government actually works for the people it serves.
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