In a historic moment for Park City, Diego Zegarra was sworn in as a member of the Park City Council on Monday, becoming the first Latino to hold this position in the city’s history. The swearing-in ceremony took place at Bob Wells Plaza outside City Hall, where Zegarra was joined by Tana Toly, who was reelected to the council, and Ryan Dickey, the former councilor who is now the mayor. The event drew a crowd of family, friends, and community members, all eager to witness this significant milestone in the city’s governance. Zegarra addressed the enthusiastic audience, expressing deep gratitude for the local residents who have supported him throughout his journey. "I’m deeply grateful for our neighbors and residents who believe that local democracy works best when more people see themselves reflected in it,” he said, emphasizing the collective effort that led to his election. He highlighted that his success is not just a personal win, but a reflection of a broader coalition of individuals who came together to advocate for representation. Reflecting on his upbringing, Zegarra spoke about the importance of community and the concept of belonging. "We learned that community isn’t something you passively inherit. It’s something you build, protect, and contribute to. My presence here reflects that effort. But representation alone is not the work. The work is what comes next,” he stated. This sentiment underscores his commitment to serving not just as a representative for the Latino community, but for all residents of Park City. Zegarra's journey to this moment began far from Park City. Originally from Peru, he arrived in Utah in December 2003 on a J-1 visa to work at Solitude Mountain Resort for a winter season. Initially, he had no plans to stay in the area. "I came for a winter, met a girl, and then came back for a second winter,” he reminisced. His decision to remain in Utah was influenced by his relationship and opportunities for education, eventually leading him to the University of Utah, where he studied business administration and marketing. After graduating during a challenging economic period, Zegarra found his path in community service rather than the corporate career he had envisioned. He began working as a substitute teacher at an after-school program run by Holy Cross Ministries, initially intended to be a short-term role. "What was supposed to be a two-month job became a six-plus-year engagement,” he explained. Through this work, he gained firsthand insight into the needs and challenges faced by immigrant families, many of whom had moved to Park City in search of better economic opportunities. His experience managing programs for children from immigrant families illuminated the gaps in representation within local decision-making processes. "There weren’t a lot of affordable childcare options,” Zegarra recalled, noting that Holy Cross offered services that were free or significantly lower in cost compared to market rates. This hands-on experience informed his understanding of community needs, leading him to believe that diverse perspectives are essential for effective governance. Zegarra’s election is a landmark moment for Latino representation in Park City, but he made it clear that he views his role as encompassing the entire community. "Someone asked me early on if I was just for the Latino community. And the answer is no. It’s not either-or. I can hold more than two perspectives at the same time,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to being a voice for all constituents. He recognizes the complexities of immigrant experiences, acknowledging that while his own journey involved choice and education, many of the families he represents may have arrived seeking safety or economic survival. "There’s this idea of a singular immigrant story, but it’s not monolithic,” he remarked, illustrating the importance of listening to and understanding diverse narratives. As Zegarra begins his term, he aims to channel the voices of those who have been historically marginalized. He stressed the need for humility in leadership, recognizing that local government structures often favor those who are already familiar with civic processes. "If we truly want those perspectives, we may need to do outreach differently,” he noted, indicating his intention to innovate how the city engages with its residents. When asked about the most pressing needs of Park City at this moment, Zegarra identified courage as a key factor. He called for bold actions to address challenges such as housing, transportation, economic pressures, and public safety. "What gives me hope is knowing that this community has the capacity to rise to the moment,” he concluded, expressing optimism for the future under his leadership. Zegarra’s father, who traveled from Peru to witness his son’s swearing-in, accompanied him during this momentous occasion. Zegarra credits his parents with instilling values of justice and representation that have guided his path. As he embarks on this new chapter in public service, he remains committed to ensuring that all Park City residents feel welcome and represented in their local government.