YC grad working for governor

A former Yuman has high hopes, and he is getting his foot in the door early.

Andrew Escoto is currently working as a community affairs manager for Gov. Jan Brewer's office. He says that he aspires to one day become mayor of Yuma, governor of Arizona and eventually — president of the United States.

Escoto, who graduated in the top of his class at Yuma Catholic High School in 2006, said, “I have always wanted to be a public servant. I have always wanted to serve and change government for the better. I also wanted to work my way up, several years from now, to a position where I would be able to make a difference on a local, state and federal level in a way only 44 people in the history of the United State could — the presidents.”

After graduating from the University of Arizona in 2009 with a major in political science and a pre-law thematic minor, Escoto, 23, was soon accepted to a five-month internship with the governor's office.

“After my internship, I was hired on as a full-time employee where I spent half of my days working for the Governor's Office of Boards and Commissions and the other half working for the Legal Counsel of the Arizona Department of Corrections. It was after working here for six months that I was hired on as a Project Specialist with the Arizona Department of Homeland Security,” said Escoto.

Here he helped oversee the on-site monitoring process to examine grant funds used by local and state entities, conducted border security research and analysis, and assisted in the coordination of the Arizona State Citizens Corps Program to educate, train and provide volunteer opportunities to make communities safer and prepared for disasters.

Shortly after marrying his high school sweetheart, Ariana, in August 2011, Escoto began working as a community affairs manager with the Office of the Governor for the State of Arizona in September.

He commented that he enjoys having the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at state government and learning how it is run.

“In this capacity, I organize Governor Brewer's schedule and public events, help bridge the gap between the public and state government through community outreach and assist in coordinating media relations. ... I have been able to participate in some of the most momentous events in Arizona history. ... I think one of my favorite events that I participated in was the State of the State address and the governor's visit to Yuma.”

During the past five months that he has been working in this position, Escoto said that he has formed a great working relationship with Brewer.

“I have learned so many things directly from her, and seeing the insight and the passion she has for the state of Arizona is something that I, quite frankly, can relate to because I love Arizona just the same. ... She is a dedicated public servant that is constantly working to change government for the better. She is a person I admire and aspire to become more like.”

In the future, Escoto hopes to hold office, serving both the state of Arizona and later the entire country.

“I embrace the challenges that come with it, and I embrace many of the same thoughts our founding fathers had in mind when constructing the framework of the government we know today.”

Escoto noted that his wife and family have been very supportive of his career.

“My wife is always there when I need her; she is constantly seeking ways to make me happy, to hear me out when I have a tough day, and she continues to be such a supportive wife that it encourages me to be a better husband. Ariana has been my confidant, my wife, and truly my best friend,” he said.

In regards to his parents, he said, “They have not stopped showing their love and support in so many ways for us that it encourages me to work extra hard at everything I do. My dad, I believe, is the one man that has been the proudest. ... I have never seen a man love in such a selfless and giving way. He has always supported my big aspirations and has been my ‘campaign manager' always guiding me and giving me the perfect advice on all things life and work related. My mother ... is constantly encouraging me to go the extra mile.”

He concluded, “I have to say that I would be nowhere without God watching and guiding me every step of the way. So for me or anyone else to take credit for all of this would be thievery, it is to Him I owe everything, and it is to Him I thank most.”

Sarah Womer can be reached at swomer@yumasun.com or 539-6858. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSSarahWomer or on Twitter at @YSSarahWomer.