-Editorial
Hildy Carrillo, a longtime community leader, arts advocate and former executive director of the Calexico Chamber of Commerce whose work helped shape many of the city’s signature events, has died. She was 74.
For decades, Carrillo was one of Calexico’s most recognizable civic leaders, serving as executive director of the Calexico Chamber of Commerce until the organization closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. During her tenure, she helped organize and expand numerous community events that became annual traditions and drew residents and visitors to the border city.
Among the events most closely associated with Carrillo were the Calexico Mariachi Festival, which became one of the city’s signature celebrations, Mardi Gras festivities, and numerous cultural and community gatherings designed to promote local businesses and civic pride.
Carrillo was known as a dynamic and creative community leader who believed everyone had something to contribute. She inspired others by sharing her knowledge and stories, encouraging residents to become involved, work together, and dedicate their time and talents to making Calexico a better place.
Before leading the Chamber of Commerce, Carrillo served as managing editor of the Calexico Chronicle in the early 1990s, succeeding longtime editor John Steppling. During her time at the newspaper, she created the Calexico Lava Lamp Award, an annual recognition honoring individuals whose service and dedication made a lasting impact on the community. The award became one of Calexico’s most enduring civic honors and continued long after its creation.
Carrillo was widely recognized for her lifelong commitment to the arts, culture and historic preservation. Born and raised in Calexico, she attended Imperial Valley College, Northern Arizona University and San Diego State University.
Her accomplishments extended across several artistic disciplines. She was an actor, writer, poet, mime, dancer, graphic artist and event planner. She established the art gallery at the San Diego State University Imperial Valley campus and served as its first gallery director. She also played a key role in creating the John H. Steppling Gallery at SDSU Imperial Valley and the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center in Calexico.
Throughout her life, Carrillo served on numerous city commissions, nonprofit boards and community organizations. Her enthusiasm for promoting Calexico’s history, culture and arts earned her widespread respect and the affectionate nickname “Miss Calexico,” reflecting her deep love for the city and her decades of civic involvement.
Carrillo will be remembered as a tireless community leader whose dedication helped shape Calexico into a vibrant community. Her efforts strengthened the community and left a lasting impact on generations of residents.
To many, Carrillo was the DNA of Calexico. Her vision, leadership and passion were woven into the fabric of the city. A businesswoman, artist, preservationist and civic leader, she devoted her life to making Calexico a more vibrant, connected and culturally rich community, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations.
