Get to Know the Team

LVEJOGet to Know the Team

Jaqueline Vazquez (They/Them)

Park Organizer 

Jacqueline is the Park Organizer at the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO). They was born in New Jersey, but raised in Little Village. They graduated from Social Justice (SOJO) in Little Village Lawndale highschool and attended DePaul University for two years. Jacqueline began volunteering for LVEJO and worked her way up, becoming part of staff in 2018.

Areas of Expertise 

  • Community Stewardship, Restorative justice, Zero waste
  • Chicago Park Events: Special Events, Soccer Field Rental
  • Art: Banner painting/Piñata making

Connect with Jacky: jvazq@lvejo.org

Leslie Cortez (They/Them)

Youth Organizing

Leslie has a BA in Sociology and was a class shy from a BA in Biology. They are the first in their family to graduate from college. Leslie grew up in Humboldt Park and Cicero. Now, they are a student at NW Master’s Public Policy and Administration program. They love reading about policy and thinking about how systems impact people and how people can shape systems.  They are also a self-taught artist and had their work published in zines and in galleries. Leslie loves to read at the park and likes to go on bike rides.

Areas of Expertise 

  • Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Regulation and Systems, Research, Anatomy + Physiology, Comparative Anatomy.
  • Social Issues: Sociology of Family, Social System theories, Gender and Women’s Studies, Equity: Class, Status, and Power.
  • Art: digital art, painting, drawing, 3d art

Connect with Leslie: lcortez@lvejo.org