Commitment, Dedication and Serving the Community With Carrie Lujan

 What is the secret to success? Is it being well respected amongst your peers? Do you need education, charisma, and a strong work ethic? Today, it is a combination of all these things PLUS a mixture of commitment, dedication and love for service and the community around you. These qualities are what Carrie Lujan embodies every day.
Carrie was born and raised in the bay area to loving parents and the middle child of three. “I grew up in the Bay Area and have an older and younger brother, who are both married now and have their own families. We all get together for the holidays and have quite a large group now.” Through out her youth her parents taught her and her brothers the value of education. “My Dad is an avid reader and shares his passion for knowledge by teaching courses on everything from American History to Comparative Religion.” In 1999, Carrie received her bachelors degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in Speech Communication. “I enjoyed writing, debating and journalism.” After college, she went on to pursue her career in journalism. “I worked both as a newspaper and TV reporter, I am always watching, reading and tracking news.”
Carrie’s years of experience made her the perfect fit as the Communications Manager/Public Information Officer for the City of Santa Clarita. “I oversee the City’s messaging through Seasons Magazine, social media, State of the City Newsletter, press releases, video, events, internal communications, media relations, graphic look, crisis communication and more. My division is responsible for all messaging that comes from the City.” Holding this position for the past two years, Carrie has really immersed herself in the community. “I am on the board for Bridge to Home and have also volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club.” In addition to her volunteerism, her busy work schedule keeps her on her toes facing many challenges. “The biggest challenge is getting up to speed on the issues, accomplishments, controversies, history and progress made by our City over the past three decades.” Despite the challenges, she really enjoys her job and the people she works with. “My favorite thing about my job is the wide range and variety of things I get to do. I have coordinated live TV news segments promoting the Cowboy Festival, hosted the City’s 30th birthday party at a local elementary school and an open house at City Hall, and I get to work every day with some of the most talented, dedicated and innovative people…”
For the past 13 years Carrie has been married to her husband Manuel Lujan. “We met back in 2000 when we were both working at KCBS in Los Angeles.” Carrie and Manuel have two children.” Ben is 11 and Andrew is 9. They are fun, clever and are growing up way too fast.” Being a full-time parent and having a full-time career presents its own set of challenges, but for the Lujan family any challenge can be remedied with fun and excitement. “It can be very challenging to switch gears between work life and kid life. I make a big effort to be present with them and find fun activities we can do together. We also like to cook together and watch movies.”
Mom, wife, Communications Manager/PIO, and volunteer; Carrie Lujan works hard to make sure she has a good balance of work and home life. “My goals have changed and adapted over time but I love the life I have created with my family, challenging career and opportunities to give back to the community. “

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