Born in Mexico and raised as an immigrant in the United States, Scarlet Peralta brings a deeply personal understanding of opportunity, equity, and community to her work in public service. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies with a minor in Global Peace and Security from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of California, Irvine.

Scarlet’s professional career has been rooted in the nonprofit sector, where she has advanced economic mobility, workforce development, and inclusive economic growth.

She currently serves as Program Director at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), where she leads regional implementation of the California Jobs First Program across Los Angeles County. In this role, she works closely with local governments, workforce partners, industry leaders, and community-based organizations to align regional strategies, strengthen local economies, and expand access to quality jobs for residents throughout the county.

In 2020, Scarlet was elected to the Montebello City Council, where she has championed policies that support working families, equitable development, and community resilience. She served as Mayor from 2023 to 2024 and now she continues as a Councilmember, applying a thoughtful, collaborative leadership style shaped by community engagement and continuous learning.