Lydia’s story begins in East L.A., shaped by summers in Hatch, New Mexico, where her grandparents’ farm and the mountains she explored with her cousins taught her independence, curiosity, and deep cultural pride. Her parents, Frances and Manuel Camargo, instilled lifelong values of fairness, equity, humility, faith, and family — lessons she carries into every part of her work.

Her commitment to small business communities started early. As a teenager working at a tiny mom‑and‑pop pharmacy in La Puente, she translated prescriptions for Spanish‑speaking customers, cleaned and reorganized the store, and witnessed firsthand the challenges small businesses face. That experience shaped her passion for advocacy.



Today, Lydia leads with heart — supporting diverse entrepreneurs, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring small and diverse-owned businesses have access to opportunities at SCE. She is a first‑generation college graduate, a champion for equity, and someone who believes deeply in bringing others along.