Harmony Vallejo has carved out a successful two-decade career in communications and marketing, culminating in her role as the founder and CEO of Universal Events Inc. This venture is her brainchild, dedicated to enhancing the branding and operational efficiencies of Non-profit organizations. Harmony leads a team of dedicated professionals, creating a collaborative, values-driven work environment. She contributes to the Non-profit sector by writing educational articles on topics ranging from social media usage to branding best practices.
Q: You’ve had quite an extensive career in marketing and communications. What inspired you to initially choose this path?
HARMONY VALLEJO: It’s always been about connecting with people for me. From my early days in sales and marketing with the local TV station in Youngstown, Ohio, to working in advertising, I’ve felt comfortable with crafting messages that resonate and that achieve organizational goals. I enjoy working on different aspects of strategy and branding, and I’ve been lucky enough to translate that experience and passion into creating a company that combines the high-level marketing skills I’ve learned with working for meaningful causes.
Q: It has to be a little different, going from traditional marketing and advertising to working on behalf of Non-profits. What motivated you to make that change?
HARMONY VALLEJO: I’ve seen the power that effective branding and marketing campaigns can have on Non-profits. I saw an opportunity to build a firm that specialized in this skill, and this niche, and it’s been incredibly rewarding. Marketing is all about making an impact, and that’s the goal of most Non-profits as well. But they’ve traditionally had much fewer resources to devote to it, on top of all the important work they do for their causes. So I’ve devoted my career to partnering with Non-profits who need that help with the branding and marketing aspects of their work. It’s about aligning my professional skills with my personal values, and I couldn’t be happier with the decision.
Q: Can you tell us more about your journey as a ‘mompreneur’ and how it led to the creation of Universal Events Inc.?
HARMONY VALLEJO: Sure. Being a mom is so challenging, but it’s an incredibly rewarding time. It’s hard to find the balance between building a business as an entrepreneur and raising kids, but it’s taught me so much about resilience, time management, and the importance of applying your passion to the work you do. Those years of juggling the duties of conceptualizing and growing a business with family life are what laid the groundwork for Universal Events Inc. Each step in the process taught me something new, and I funnelled all those lessons into building a company that I’m truly passionate about. It’s been a rollercoaster, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
Q: As the leader of Universal Events Inc., how do you ensure your team remains connected to your mission of strengthening community ties through Non-profits?
HARMONY VALLEJO: We place a big emphasis on cultivating a culture of purpose and passion. I work very closely with my senior leadership and our team leaders to ensure they understand and internalize the ‘why’ behind what we do. We’re out in the communities we serve every day, so we’re seeing first-hand the impact of our work. This kind of direct engagement keeps us motivated and reminds us of the difference we’re making. Everyone in our company knows that we value open communication and teamwork, and I’ve seen how the process of sharing our successes, as well as our challenges, fosters a stronger commitment to our mission.
Q: You’ve been vocal about supporting young women and entrepreneurs. What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey?
HARMONY VALLEJO: I’d say, believe in your vision and don’t be afraid to take the plunge. Entrepreneurship is not an easy path, but it’s incredibly rewarding if you’re passionate about your idea. Surround yourself with a supportive network, never stop learning, and remember that every setback is a stepping stone to success. Especially for young women, I’d emphasize the importance of confidence. Own your achievements, trust your capabilities, and never underestimate the value you bring to the table. It’s a journey, so embrace it with all its highs and lows.
