I am William Smith—a devoted husband, a father of two, and a resident of Riverside’s Ward 6. My journey to the Arlanza neighborhood has been defined by a commitment to growth, a passion for technical excellence, and a deep-seated belief that a community only thrives when its foundational needs are met.

My story began in Oxnard, where I was born and raised. In 2015, I left my hometown to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering at UC Irvine. That educational pursuit opened doors to an internship and a professional career that kept me in Irvine for seven years, sharpening my skills in one of the most competitive technical hubs in the country.

In 2020, my family’s journey in Riverside began in Canyon Crest. By 2023, we chose to plant our roots permanently by purchasing our home in the Arlanza neighborhood. Riverside is where my wife and I have been gifted with our two beautiful daughters, and as they grow, so does my resolve to ensure this community remains a place where every family has the opportunity to succeed.

For the past eight years, I have built a career in the medical device industry, specializing in R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing. As an R&D Medical Device Engineer, my daily work is defined by high stakes and strict discipline. I work on multi-million dollar projects, perform expert risk assessments, and ensure patient safety by adhering to rigorous FDA regulatory standards.

This professional background has taught me the value of collaborative decision-making and strategic alignment. I don’t just see problems; I see systems that can be optimized through technical rigor and transparency.

My passion for service started early, translating for Spanish speakers at local hospitals. That experience taught me the most essential quality of leadership: listening. Since then, I have dedicated myself to building bridges through various leadership roles, including:

• Chief Operating Officer & CFO of the Orange County Hispanic Youth Chamber of Commerce, where I worked to diversify engagement by bringing engineering and technical perspectives to underserved students.

• Lead for the Inland Empire Latino Giving Circle Network, where I helped strategically allocate $34,000 to vital non-profits like the Latino Network and the IE Immigrant Youth Collective.

• Community Advocate & Scholar, serving as an alumni of the OC Fellows, a member of the Avanzar Non-Profit Board Leadership Academy, and a participant in UCI’s Science Policy & Advocacy Certificate Program.

My Vision for Ward 6

I believe in using my experience—from the laboratory to the non-profit board room—to give back to those around me. Whether as a Small Business Development Center Consultant for AI or a Small Business Innovation Research Awardee, I have always sought to learn and grow so that I can better serve.

My wife, my daughters, and my neighbors are the heartbeat of this community. I want other families to thrive just as much as I want mine to. We all share the same fundamental needs, and I am ready to ensure those needs are met for every resident of Ward 6.