Seso Marentes

Seso Marentes is an award-winning artist and a prominent representative of Iowa’s Latino community. His personal experiences and dedication to the community have given him a wealth of stories to share. Despite dropping out of middle school, Marentes refused to let that define his future. He overcame numerous challenges, becoming a life mentor to many and emphasizing the importance of individual value and self-discovery.

As a father to four children and a mentor to numerous youths from diverse backgrounds, Marentes has made significant contributions as the only Male Parent Partner in Polk County, where he worked with fathers involved with the Department of Human Services (DHS). His advocacy has led to many policy changes within DHS, particularly in how the Iowa courts address fathers. As a public figure, Marentes continuously speaks and advocates for those who struggle to be heard, always championing good causes and community building.