Carrillo chosen as 40th Senate District’s Citizen of the Month

Olivia Carrillo was chosen as state Sen. Ben Hueso’s Citizen of the Month for July, a newsletter from the senator’s office issued Friday announced.

Carrillo received the recognition as she was recently selected for the 2020 California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarship.

“This is an exceptional achievement, and I am very proud of her representation of Imperial County and the 40th Senate District,” Hueso, D-San Diego, stated in his newsletter.

Carrillo is enrolled in San Diego

State University’s Doctorate of Audiology program, a highly competitive program that accepts only 10 applicants per year.

For her undergraduate studies, she attended Imperial Valley College then transferred to SDSU to complete her bachelor’s degree in speech, language and hearing sciences.

As a Latina growing up in Imperial Valley, Carrillo said she experienced firsthand the need for affordable and accessible healthcare in underserved and impoverished areas.

She said her personal experiences with past and current insufficient services inspired her to work to be part of the solution to this disparity in quality healthcare access.

She said she chose the Doctorate of Audiology program to be able to give back to Imperial County, which does not have any audiologists despite the immense need for affordable health services.

This is the sixth year the caucus foundation has run this scholarship program, and this year it received a record number of applications.

“Her drive is unmatchable, and I was touched by her strong desire to create positive change in the world, especially right here in Imperial County,” Hueso stated in the newsletter. “Best wishes at San Diego State University and in all your future endeavors. I know you will continue to make the 40th Senate District proud!”