As Precinct 4’s Events Manager, Jael is one of the masterminds behind some of the Precinct’s most meaningful community gatherings. From cultural heritage month celebrations and Valentine’s Day dances to back-to-school community fairs and movie nights at community centers, Jael and her team are the quiet force turning ideas into unforgettable experiences.

Her Hispanic heritage shines through

This month, as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s especially fitting to spotlight Jael — not just for the events she brings to life, but for the heritage and heart she brings to her work every day.

Jael’s roots run deep in Houston. The youngest of seven children, Jael grew up in Alief, a diverse Houston neighborhood she still holds close to her heart. Her parents were born in Coatepec de Los Costales, a town in Guerrero, Mexico, while most of her extended family hails from Iguala, Guerrero. Though many of them now live in the U.S., the traditions they brought with them remain strong.

“Family is everything,” Jael says. “Even now, we gather often to share food (my mom’s pozole is the best) laughter, and time together.”

Empowering people is her calling

Before joining Precinct 4, Jael worked as a voter registration community coordinator for the Harris County Clerk's Office, Elections Department. Her mission was to connect underserved communities in areas like Gulfton and Sharpstown with the tools and knowledge to participate in the democratic process. Whether she was setting up tables at grocery stores or clinics, Jael was always focused on one thing: empowering people.

That same passion for improving people's lives drives her work today.

“The most fun part of my job is bringing free, accessible activities to the community,” she said. “It’s not just about fun. It’s about creating meaningful experiences.”

And meaningful they are. At any given event, you might find health screenings, vision checks, or even a mobile adoption bus from Harris County Pets. Jael lights up when she talks about families leaving with more than just memories. Sometimes they leave the event with a new pet or a new resource that could change their lives.

Still, it’s the little moments that stick with her.

“I love seeing kids get their faces painted or dance to live music. That joy is contagious,” she says. “It reminds me why we do what we do.”

But don’t let the smooth execution deceive you. These events don’t just pop up overnight.

“People don’t always see the months of planning that go into each event,” Jael said. “We start four to six months in advance — sometimes even earlier for our larger luncheons. And we always have to plan for the unexpected, especially during hurricane season.”

You can witness all this planning and preparation firsthand this month, during Precinct 4’s third annual Hispanic Heritage Month Festival on Saturday, September 27, at Bayland Park.

Family, domestic life take center stage

When she’s not orchestrating large-scale events, Jael finds peace in Houston’s green spaces and unwinds at home with her husband and their two cats, Shizuku and Catu.

“My cats are my stress relief,” she said. “Just seeing their little faces after a long day makes everything better.”

Spending time with her parents is another highlight of Jael’s days. She deeply admires her parents’ resilience and is grateful for the sacrifices they made for her and her siblings. Her mother and father embody the spirit of the American Dream, arriving in this country with almost nothing, yet working tirelessly to build a life filled with opportunity. Through their determination, they provided their family with access to education, a stable home, and the promise of a brighter future.

Now, every time Jael visits her parents in Alief, sees a family heading home with a new pet, or watches a child beam with excitement over a new backpack, books, and colored pencils, she feels a deep sense of fulfillment. It’s in these everyday moments that she sees her journey come full circle. From her parents’ sacrifices to her role at Precinct 4, every step has led her to this purpose: to help improve people’s lives with heart, dedication, and even a little fun along the way.