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Latina, Chicanx & Mexicana, Asesora Cultural de Bear Root Resource Center

¡¡Hola, Hola! My name is Jessica De Leon, a Xicana, Mexicana, Latina. My family roots are from a small town in Jalisco, Mexico. Growing up, I lived in several cities throughout Northern California and the Central Valley, but I have mainly lived in the city of Napa. Because I moved so often at a young age, I had the unique opportunity to meet many people and learn about new cultures and understand different communities, especially the immigrant community's needs. Every city in which I have resided in has shaped me in some way or form, and I am thankful for the experiences and people along the way. I am a proud older sister and equally proud auntie to several nieces and nephews. My family and chosen family are very important to me, and they are who keep me grounded. 

I started my educational and professional journey at Napa Valley College (NVC), where I was involved in various efforts, including the Latinos In Napa History Project, where we focused on the history of the Californios and Braceros within Napa Valley. This effort led to an internship opportunity in Washington D.C. at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where we focused on Braceros on a national and local level. That later led to a path to offer a course at Napa Valley College known as History 200, focusing on our local Braceros. With many hands on deck, our team was able to bring a traveling exhibition to the valley known as Bittersweet Harvest|The Bracero Program 1942-1964, where we were able to honor the Braceros in Napa Valley on Braceros Appreciation Day and feature student work from History 200. During my time at NVC, I was involved in several clubs and extracurricular activities, such as the Associated Students of Napa Valley College, serving as Senator of the Social Sciences. All while being very involved in my community through different efforts for immigration rights and education equity. I found my passion for wanting to learn and understand different communities, which is why I graduated with an Ethnic Studies degree from UC Riverside. What has always fueled me is my desire to see my community thrive, to be a support system for those who need it. As a child of a domestic violence survivor, I always wanted to be a voice, support, and resource to those in need, and therefore, I believe this is where my passion for community stems from. Because it was through community that a cycle was broken.

Through my professional journey, I’ve fully enjoyed connecting with my community members during outreach events, food distributions, and home visits. I have had the privilege to get to know some on a more personal level, and knowing that community members trust me with their story is one I do not take for granted. Throughout my career, I have focused on COVID-19 education and spent about two and a half years focusing on disaster preparedness in my community. Since Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in Napa Valley, I was very intentional in having real-time updates in Spanish and having information as accessible as possible. I also wanted to focus on youth and their involvement in disaster preparedness. I was able to work with fourth graders up until High School Seniors and developed interactive presentations and activities based on their grade level. It was fulfilling to see the youth involved, and they wanted to go back home and share this knowledge with their families. My current role involves Case Managing low-income older adults who need extra support paying their rent. A first of a kind of program in the state of California. Although this financial support is short-term, as it is a pilot program, it has been instrumental in keeping our seniors housed. Several times, I see myself advocating to stop evictions and find other financial assistance to keep our older population housed. I am painfully reminded daily that our seniors are being left behind, and some with little to no support systems. What has been rewarding during my time with them is bridging connections, sharing stories, truly validating them, and stopping evictions as best as I can. 

While in my community, you can find me at our local Farmers Market, coffee shops drinking an Iced latte or Matcha Latte, at a park, walking around town, stopping and petting fur babies. Spending time with my family and chosen family, maybe at a concert or the beach. I truly enjoy dancing, and even though off-key, you bet ya I will be singing my little heart out to any genre, but especially to Mexican Regional music. 

Being a part of Bear Root Resource Center as a Cultural Advisor, I bring my expertise, but mainly I bring my heart, empathy, and compassion for humanity. During times of much rebirth, we are reminded that we, as community members, must hold on to one another and support in whatever capacity that we can. We, together, can embrace and heal our communities. This is why I am truly honored and privileged to be a part of Bear Root for Past, Present, and Future generations. 

In Community, 

Jessi ♥️