Chloe Soto (middle) receives an official citation from the state Legislature to thank her for nearly three years of service in Chicopee.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
CHICOPEE — Chloe Soto has served as the mayor’s communications and special projects director for close to three years but has decided it was time to take on a new adventure.
Soto said she decided to pursue new opportunities and further her education for a master’s degree.
“This track aligns with my passion for creating positive change on a broader scale. My goal is to build a career of influence and power, and this next chapter will allow me to expand my reach and make a larger impact,” Soto said.
Soto’s plan is to head to Europe this month to pursue master’s programs to continue her work in communities along with more support and serving marginalized and underserved communities.
During her years in Chicopee, Soto’s responsibilities included raising funding, planning and executing the city’s signature events. She also handled communications for the mayor’s office, organized community projects and developed initiatives to enhance engagement and foster community connections such as founding the Puerto Rican Heritage Committee and doing the first ever Hispanic Heritage Domino tournament as well as the first-ever Puerto Rican Heritage Celebration.
Some of her favorite memories of the job were helping the community organize events that all can enjoy.
She explained, “Some of my favorite memories include organizing events like the Spooktacular, collaborating with Faded Barber Lounge’s the back-to-school event, and the National Night Out event. It was incredibly rewarding to see how these events brought the community together. Additionally, I’ve loved collaborating with incredible individuals and organizations to make a positive impact on the city.”
Chicopee hosted a goodbye celebration at the beginning of January that included a citation on behalf of the Legislature to thank her for her work.
Soto also posted a goodbye message on the City of Chicopee — Mayor’s Office Facebook page that was filled with over 50 comments thanking her for all the work she has done for Chicopee.
When asked about how it felt to receive heartfelt messages from the community, Soto said, “It’s humbling and heartwarming to receive such kind messages. Knowing that my work has positively impacted people and that they recognize and appreciate those efforts means everything to me. It’s a reminder of the strong connections I’ve built here.”
Soto also reflected on her time meeting so many residents and local and state officials and hopes the work she has done will continue.
“I want to encourage everyone to continue building the strong sense of community that makes Chicopee unique. Invest in each other, support your local businesses and stay engaged with the city’s events and initiatives. Together, you can achieve incredible things. Thank you again for letting me be part of your lives,” Soto said.
She also wanted to thank the residents for allowing her to do the job to the best of her ability.
Soto stated, “To the residents of Chicopee, thank you for your support, your kindness, and your trust. It’s been an honor to serve this community and work with so many amazing people. Chicopee has a special place in my heart, and I will always cherish the memories and relationships I’ve built here.”
Mayor John Vieau appointed, with the City Council’s approval, Community and Constituent Liaison Monica Torres as the responsible party for solicitation of contributions to Chicopee for municipal sponsored events.
Torres will take over Soto’s role as special projects manager, while the communications role will be filled.
Vieau talked more about the vacant position and said, “In lieu of that happening, there’s an available position in my office so if you know anyone whose dynamic and really loves Chicopee as much as me, I’m interested in meeting with them. Ideally the goal is to continue the successful community sponsored events that we’ve done over the last few years that continue to grow and be very successful.”
Vieau also talked about how much Soto has meant to the community and how it will be hard to replace her.
He said, “It certainly has been my honor and pleasure to work with her and have her really focused on making Chicopee a very special place for all those who attend our events, making sure they’re free and really has gone above and beyond in that role as my communications [and] special projects director. I wish her many years of good health, success and prosperity in her future endeavors. She’s going to be very difficult to replace. She will be missed.”
