CyberFair 2000 Project
Main School
Carpinteria, California, USA
Carpinteria Valley Leaders
Government
Environment
School
Business
Arts & Entertainment
Sports & Recreation
Medical
Community Services
About This Site
Who Made This Site?
Why an Avocado Tree?
Project Narrative
Information Sources
Marybeth Carty
By Allison P. and Bo S.
Q: What is your full name?
A: MaryElizabeth Carty
Q: Were you named after anyone?
A: I was named after my mother's mother, Mary and St. Elizabeth.
Q: Where were you born?
A: I was born in New Jersey.
Q: What are your parent's names?
A: My mother's name is Marilyn Ann D'Eletto Lazaro and my father's name is Joseph Frank Lazaro.
Q: What countries/states/cities did you grow up in?
A: I lived in New Jersey until I was twenty years old and then I moved to Carpinteria, CA.
Q: What do you remember about the house you lived in?
A: I had a playhouse in the back that my father built. We had a garden on the side where we grew baby carrots.
Q: What do you remember most about you childhood?
A: I remember playing with the kids and racing around the neighborhood on my English Racer bike.
Q: What is your background?
A: I am 100% Italian-American.
Q: Tell me about your family?
A: I have 3 sisters and 1 brother. I am the oldest.
Q: What is your family background, personal history (grandparents, great grandparents, relatives) and their roles in the community?
A: Both sets of grandparents emigrated from Italy and were very active in their churches. My paternal grandfather owned a restaurant and tavern. My paternal grandmother worked in the local library. My maternal grandfather worked as a produce manager and my maternal grandmother helped in the war effort.
Q: How long have these significant relatives lived here?
A: All of my grandparents came to America as children and lived on the East Coast for the remainder of their lives.
Q: Are there some other people that have contributed to your success as a community leader? How have they influenced you?
A: My in-laws, Daphne and William Carty, have influenced me by encouraging my education and involvement in the community. My parents were also a great influence.
Q: Could you describe your profession to me? What do you do at your job?
A: I coordinate a mentor program for the Carpinteria school system that helps kids get extra support from nice people in the community.
Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: I get to meet wonderful people and work with kids I really love.
Q: Are you happy with your job?
A: Yes!! I love my work because I get to see the results of mentors and kids who are connecting well and building friendships.
Q: What is your address and phone of your business?
A: My office is located at Aliso School at 4545 Carpinteria Ave. My phone number is (805) 566-4940.
Q: Describe the activities in which you are currently involved?
A: I am currently planning the 8th Annual Orchard to Ocean Run. I am the incoming president of the Carpinteria Education Foundation and president of the Carpinteria Woman's Club. I am the race director of the Carpinteria Triathlon and am chairing the auction for Girls Inc. "Taste of Carpinteria" Event.
Q: What path did you take to become a leader?
A: I got involved at the Lou Grant Parent Child Workshop as a board member and was its president for 3 years. Then, I volunteered in the Carpinteria schools that my children attended. I became involved in issues that benefited kids as a result. I was a pre-school teacher and got a degree in psychology.
Q: What does the term "Civic Leadership" mean to you?
A: Civic leadership means being an active and contributing member of your community and not being afraid to lead the way when you believe in something.
Q: Could you list and describe the changes or contributions you have made to the community?
A: I started the Orchard to Ocean Run in 1991 to benefit the students in the Carpinteria school district. I re-established the Carpinteria Woman's Club in 1996 and helped raise funds to buy the Carpinteria Bluffs.
Q: Describe any changes that have taken place since you became a leader?
A: The community has grown and a major development issue was finally resolved. And kids I taught in pre-school are now adults!!!
Q: How long have you been involved with the community?
A: I have been involved since 1977 when I moved here from New Jersey.
Q: Tell me something unusual that has happened to you?
A: After I moved to Carpinteria my ENTIRE family followed me here. And my sister married my husband's brother!!
Q: What advice would you give to a child?
A: Always be accountable for every choice you make. Helping someone else can make the world a better place.This page was written by Allison P. and Bo S.
View more School Leaders