BCC alum Pedro Soto Jr., son of longtime BCC Public Safety Officer Pedro Soto Sr., has returned to his roots and is loving it. After growing up often accompanying his dad on BCC’s campus and ultimately coming to school at BCC, Soto recently took on a new role as Senior Underwriter for the Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC), where he will be helping to provide small businesses in the Bronx with technical and financial assistance.

“I’ll be attending events, reaching out to stakeholders and working with and developing partnerships so Bronxites like myself are aware of the opportunities available to them,” said Soto, who has spent the past five years of his career working in economic development.

From ages 14-18, Soto worked in both the Bursar’s Office and in the President’s Office for the summer youth employment program. He earned his Associate Degree in Mathematics from BCC, went on to Lehman College and interned at a Bronx tech incubator. After college, he worked for Small Business Development Centers in Brooklyn and then Manhattan.

“It feels great to be back in the Bronx,” Soto said. “I learned so much in my previous roles that I now get to bring back here, and I can’t wait to see the results.”

Prior to joining BXEDC, Soto said he learned the importance of support and having great mentors. He took advantage of every training available to him and became a Certified Business Advisor. In 2023, Soto won a $20,000 scholarship for IT project management through BCC.

Soto said BCC taught him how to carry himself in the world and how to build relationships. It is clear though speaking with him that it is his work ethic propelling him up the ranks. But what also is clear is how he leads with his heart. “That I get from my dad,” he admits humbly.