Jessica Paz-Cedillos

Co-Executive Director, Mexican Heritage Plaza

 

East San Jose & Community Columnist

Column contributed first Monday of every month

Jessica Paz-Cedillos, the daughter of immigrants from Mexico and El Salvador, was born and raised in East Oakland. She understands firsthand the role of arts and culture in building pride, preserving heritage, and driving community and economic development. Jessica has dedicated her career to the public sector, working for organizations such as the ACLU and SOMOS Mayfair. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College, the oldest of the historic Seven Sisters, a consortium of historically female colleges in the Northeastern United States.

In 2019, Jessica became the Executive Director of the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza (SOAC), bringing with her extensive experience in community organizing and fundraising. Under her leadership, SOAC has evolved into a vibrant hub for creativity and social action. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she ensured the organization became a vital resource for the community, providing food distribution, testing, and vaccination services.

As SOAC enters its second decade, it remains committed to centering arts and culture as a powerful force for community and economic development. A key initiative is the development of La Avenida Cultural District, which aims to serve as a community hub, fostering a healthy and thriving economic environment for East San José’s historic Mayfair community.

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Paz-Cedillos: What’s in a name?

Every year, National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Sept. 15, celebrating the contributions of Latinos to the U.S., including the $3.7 trillion we add to the national GDP – with $706 billion coming from California alone. Yet, the debate over identity labels often leaves many of us conflicted. So I ask: What’s in a name?...