The history of
Jessica Carrasco
“Rooted in Identity, Fueled by Creativity, Built for Community”
How did it start
Jessica Carrasco was born in Santa Cruz and proudly raised in Watsonville, California.
Her roots stem from her mother being born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, her biological father born in El Salvador and her step-father, born in Michoacan Mexico. Carrasco, is a Watsonville artist and educator, aims to foster a broader appreciation for the arts and encourage community participation.
First painting
In addition, she is the artist and founder of Carrasco Concepts; an art brand that focuses on selling visual art and using part of the funds to fund student scholarships in Watsonville. Jessica started the Born and Raised in Watsonville Scholarship, this scholarship is for $500 and is given to high school seniors that attend Pajaro Valley Unified School District.
In 2023, Jessica started working at Arte Del Corazon as the Creative Youth Development and the Director of Community Engagement Lead and hopes to continue to expand the arts and advocate for Watsonville. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, her daughter, reading, creating and playing soccer.

Grants/Awards
- 2018: Young Voters Art Contest Winner - County of Santa Cruz.
- 2021: Candidate for Women Leaders of the Year - YWCA.
- 2021: Outside the Frame - Santa Cruz County Artist.
- 2022: Community Hero Award - Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services.
- 2023: Educator of the Year - Nexties by Lookout and Event Santa Cruz 2024: Non-Profit of the Year - Nexties by Lookout and Event Santa Cruz 2024: Keynote Speaker for Cultivating Hope-Jovenes Sanos
- 2024: Board Trustee Area 6 Campaign Winner
- 2025: Empower Watsonville Conference Panelist
- 2025: 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal
