From Glendale to Leadership: Jessica Garay’s Path to Community Advocacy

Belonging in Glendale

Jessica Garay arrived in Utah at eight years old, moving with her family from Mexico to Glendale. In the transition from one country to another, she experienced firsthand the difference that education and community support can make. Growing up in an immigrant household and navigating systems that were not always designed with families like hers in mind, Jessica learned early that access to information and support could shape opportunities.

More than a hometown, Glendale became a place of belonging. It was where she witnessed both the challenges facing immigrant communities and the possibilities for creating change. That deep connection to place, rooted in her own childhood experiences, would later inspire her commitment to education, advocacy, and public service.

Expanding Leadership Through WLI

For the past seven years, Jessica has served as an assistant principal at an elementary school, but her dedication to supporting students and families extends far beyond her professional role. She carries with her the memory of what it means to be the child of immigrants, to navigate unfamiliar systems, and to need leaders who understand those experiences firsthand.

Working closely with students and families, Jessica realized she wanted to expand her impact beyond the school walls. She wanted to better understand civic systems, strengthen her advocacy skills, and learn how to create meaningful change within her community. That realization led her to enroll in the Westside Leadership Institute’s Fundamentals course in 2024. She joined WLI to develop the skills, relationships, and civic understanding needed to serve her community more intentionally and inspire others to become engaged in local issues.

During the program, Jessica learned how to advocate for change through the lens of civic engagement. Yet some of the most meaningful lessons came from the people she met along the way. Guest speakers offered new perspectives on leadership and public service. One moment, in particular, left a lasting impression. A Latina representative from the Utah House of Representatives spoke to the class, and Jessica suddenly saw leadership differently. She made it seem like, you know, it’s something that’s achievable,” Jessica recalls. For the first time, elected office felt tangible—something that someone who shared her background and experiences could pursue.

Beyond the instructors and speakers, Jessica also found a network of peers who shared her commitment to strengthening their communities. Reflecting on the relationships she built during the program, she says, “We kind of share the same values and vision.” Those connections became an important source of support and encouragement.

Turning Learning into Action

The relationships, confidence, and civic knowledge Jessica gained through WLI quickly translated into action after graduation. Soon after completing the program, she joined WLI’s Curriculum Committee and began asking herself an important question: “How can I become an instructor?” Today, she helps share the same lessons that inspired her, supporting future cohorts as they develop their own leadership skills and civic engagement.

At the same time, Jessica began applying what she learned directly to her work at school. Equipped with new knowledge and stronger community connections, she built partnerships with city government and developed a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges affecting families, including access to resources, safety concerns, and educational inequities.

One issue quickly emerged as a priority: street safety. Responding to concerns raised by parents, Jessica worked to increase crossing guard coverage, improve traffic practices, and make crosswalks safer for children traveling to and from school. “I could use some of the skills that I’m learning in the program, like in my work,” she reflects. For Jessica, leadership means not only identifying problems but also helping communities navigate systems and build solutions together.

Leading Through Trust and Resilience

Outside of school, Jessica mentors Hispanic and minority youth through organizations such as Somos, helping young people see themselves as future leaders and advocates. By sharing her own experiences, she serves as both a mentor and a visible example that leadership can take many forms.

Her role became especially important during recent periods of uncertainty affecting immigrant communities. As concerns surrounding anti-immigrant policies led some families to keep their children home from school, Jessica stepped into a bridge-building role between schools and parents. Through trusted relationships, clear communication, and consistent support, she helped families feel more confident and connected to their schools. These experiences reinforced an important lesson for Jessica: meaningful change often begins at the local level. “Let’s focus on the smaller things within our community that we can change,” she says.

When asked about her greatest achievement, Jessica does not point to a specific initiative or accomplishment. Instead, she reflects on the impact she has had on others.

“My biggest success has been to use my leadership skills to help empower others in the community to become leaders.”

A Vision for What Comes Next

Looking ahead, Jessica sees multiple possibilities for her future. She has considered running for office, becoming a WLI instructor, or teaching at the University of Utah. Yet regardless of the path she chooses, her purpose remains the same: to give back to the community that shaped her, represent Hispanic youth, and help others imagine new possibilities for themselves.

“I feel that expands my knowledge,” she says. “Being able to help a broader community and advocate for what needs to be changed.”

For Jessica, leadership is ultimately measured not by titles or positions, but by what one inspires in others. Her journey—from a young immigrant arriving in Glendale to an educator, mentor, and advocate—demonstrates how opportunities that once seemed distant can become achievable, not only for one person, but for an entire community.

This profile was researched and written by University of Utah student Joaquin Lopez Huertas and Utah Valley University student Riley Wolfgramm based on interviews conducted as part of the WLI Alumni Profile Series. The series explores how WLI graduates apply leadership skills developed through the Westside Leadership Institute to strengthen their communities. The project is led by Dr Stacy Harwood and supported by funding from the College of Architecture + Planning Research Incentive Seed Grant Program and the University Neighborhood Partners Community Scholar in Residence Program at the University of Utah.