Resident Spotlight: Jessica Vallejo Returns Home to Serve Toledo's Community

Jessica Vallejo, a proud Toledo native and the visionary behind the non-profit organization Our Community, has come full circle. After pursuing her dreams beyond her hometown, Jessica has returned to her roots to make a meaningful impact on her community. Through her tireless efforts, she's working to uplift and support the Toledo community.

Her journey back to Toledo was influenced by her previous role with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Social Impact and Equity team, where she worked during two seasons at Rock Edge Entertainment. The experience made her realize she could bring her passions home and contribute to the community in a more direct way. Now, Vallejo is serving as Marketing and Community Outreach Coordinator at the Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center, continuing her commitment to community service.

“In the 25 years I’ve been away, I attended Ohio State University, earning a degree in Ethnic Studies and American History,” Vallejo said. “After starting my family and living in Cleveland, I served the community as a board member of the Committee of 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance and the Lake Erie Native American Council. Our work there included significant advocacy, such as working with the baseball team to eventually change its name.”

Discussing the challenges she faced, Vallejo said that one of the obstacles she encountered was general awareness and understanding of history. “Growing up in Toledo, I was aware of our local history, such as the War of 1812 and the Western expansion. However, national history often overlooked these aspects. In school, I often found myself seeking deeper answers, which led me to use the library extensively and eventually choose an educational path that emphasized this rich history,” she said.

Vallejo’s decision to return to Toledo was also influenced by a mentor’s advice. “In my professional journey, I learned from a mentor who emphasized the importance of realizing where one can make the most impact. This conversation led me to understand that some of the most meaningful work I can do is here in Toledo,” she said.

Her connection to her heritage has been a guiding force in her work. “One thing that I did not explicitly mention was my Native American heritage. My mother’s family is Yaqui, and we know that part of that story for our family is the survival along with others during the Mexican Revolution and subsequent tribal recognition by the U.S. government in 1980. The Pascua Yaqui of Guadalupe, AZ, is the closest tribal affiliation that we have. My paternal side is Diné, also known as Navajo, and both families came north as migrant farmers after WWII, where my grandfather (Miguel Vallejo) served in the U.S. Navy,” Vallejo said.

Upon returning, Vallejo found inspiration in the work of the Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center. “I fell in love with the work being done here. The Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center has made a significant impact on the community for 27 years, offering an urban garden and agricultural education that promotes wellness and mental health," Vallejo said. “My work at the center is more than just a job; it’s a mission. Nonprofit work requires dedication beyond just showing up every day. It’s about connecting with the community and making a meaningful impact.”

The center’s programs reflect Vallejo’s vision. “We engage the community through visible art, murals, and various classes. Our gardening programs, for instance, teach children how to grow their own food, which is both educational and rewarding. It’s about fostering discovery and making learning about food enjoyable,” she said.

Reflecting on the recent trend of people returning to Toledo, Vallejo said, “Since my return, I’ve noticed several individuals coming back after time away. It’s been a 'drain gain,' where their experiences and passions enrich the local community. This phenomenon infuses our work with a unique passion and purpose.”

Vallejo’s roots in Toledo are deep. She grew up on the east side of the riverfront and attended Good Shepherd School before moving to Sacred Heart and then Central Catholic. Her education at Ohio State University, where she became a member of the first Latino coed fraternity, Alpha Psi Lambda, further shaped her commitment to community work. “I’m now the chapter advisor for the Ohio State chapter and also work with students at the University of Toledo to encourage community involvement,” she said.

Since her return in June, Vallejo sees her role as part of a larger renaissance in Toledo. “The revitalization of the Broadway corridor and other developments offer opportunities to highlight what we have here. We’re not starting from scratch; we’re building on a strong foundation,” she said.

Vallejo’s parents, both Toledo natives and community advocates, influenced her significantly. “My father worked at Jeep and my mother at the Board of Elections. Their involvement in activism and the legislative process instilled in me a passion for community service,” she said. Although her parents have passed away, their legacy continues to inspire her work.

Looking to the future, Vallejo remains dedicated to her mission. “Toledo has a vibrant, multicultural community, and I’m committed to contributing to its growth and celebrating its history. Our work at the Sofia Quintero Arts and Cultural Center reflects that commitment and ensures that we continue to support and engage with the community meaningfully,” Vallejo said.

For more information about the Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center, visit sqacc.org.