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MEET LORENZO SANTOS
JUST YOUR TYPICAL MILITARY BRAT
I grew up in a military family. From my great-grandparents, all the way to my siblings and I, military service has been a family tradition. From an early age, I moved around the country and the world, experiencing different cultures, communities, and perspectives. Those formative years shaped my worldview and instilled in me a deep understanding of the value of understanding and learning from other people and cultures, that even those across the world want the same things in the pursuit of a happy life, and that ideas...when championed with conviction, can unite people across differences.
From an early age, I have had role models demonstrate compassion for others, service above self, and the importance of working together with others for the common good, and I’m proud to follow in their footsteps. That foundation led me to the United States Naval Academy, where I graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, concentrating in International Relations. At Annapolis, I refined the values I had grown up with: discipline, resilience, hard work, and integrity.
MILITARY BRAT TO MILITARY SERVICE
After commissioning as a Surface Warfare Officer, I served aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79). Leading sailors at sea and working with international partners reinforced my understanding of our nation’s and the Navy’s critical place in the world and the vital leadership role we play.
When I transitioned from active duty in 2016, I felt called to tackle a different kind of national challenge: the growing crisis of news deserts. I founded Rhetor News, an online media startup dedicated to expanding access to reliable local journalism in underserved communities. Building that organization allowed me to champion an idea I believe deeply in...that strong democracies depend on informed citizens, and to translate vision into action.
JOINING THE REAL WORLD AND PAYING BILLS
From 2017 to 2021, I worked for DuraVent Group, a leading HVAC and Hearth manufacturer, serving as North Central Regional Sales Manager and leading sales operations across 12 states in the Midwest. There, I focused on customer service, strengthening strategic partnerships, and driving growth. Whether in uniform, in entrepreneurship, or in business leadership, I have consistently sought to bring people together to accomplish challenging goals and bring bold ideas to life.
NOT JUST A PIECE OF PAPER, BUT A GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE
Committed to strengthening my expertise in national security and resilience, I earned my Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security from George Washington University in 2022. I put that knowledge to use as an emergency management leader in local government, supporting our first responders, elected officials, and nonprofit partners to ensure public safety. And I am proud to continue my service in the Navy Reserve, continuing a lifelong commitment to preparedness, public safety, and national security.
BEYOND THE PAPER AND PUTTING IT TO ACTION
Beyond my professional roles, I remained deeply engaged in civic leadership. I served as Chair of the Young Democrats of Wisconsin, sat on the board of the Racine Kiwanis Club, and am a member of the Racine Founders’ Rotary Club, the Truman National Security Project Defense Council, and the American Legion, among others. In each of these spaces, I work to advance thoughtful ideas, build coalitions, and turn dialogue into meaningful impact when I can.
Service shaped my upbringing, leadership shaped my career, and championing ideas that strengthen communities continues to be my passion. Whether in uniform, in business, or in public service, I remain committed to leading with purpose and bringing people together to build a better future.
LIFE'S TOO SHORT NOT TO WALK ON THE BEACH
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, exploring new restaurants, walking on North Shore Beach, and performing as a karaoke and open-format DJ throughout Wisconsin. These creative outlets remind me that leadership, at its core, is about connection. Connecting about what unites us and less about what divides us.
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