Harmony Vallejo is the President and CEO of California-based Universal Events, a consulting organization that partners with for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations to drive outreach, community engagement, and purpose-driven growth.
Harmony has 25 years of experience in communications, non-profit work, and collaborations with Fortune 500 companies. She founded Universal Events in 2014 to support organizations that value connection, responsibility, and long-term impact. Harmony’s leadership method focuses on service, listening, and consistency rather than short-term results.
In this interview, Harmony discusses her recent selection for Marquis Who’s Who and reflects on her path to success.
Q: What went through your mind when you learned about your selection for Marquis Who’s Who?
Harmony Vallejo: Hearing that I got selected gave me a moment to slow down and reflect on the path that got me here. This kind of recognition encourages deeper thought about responsibility rather than celebration alone. The honor brought gratitude for the people who have contributed to the work over the years. Support from the colleagues, clients, and community partners all had an impact on this experience. Reflection helped reinforce why purpose is an important part of my work.
Q: How does this recognition connect to the values you built Universal Events on?
Harmony Vallejo: Universal Events was founded on the belief that leadership and community engagement should work together. This recognition reflects the same values that guided my company from the start. Integrity, responsibility, and consistency are a big part of our decision-making process. Community outreach was never treated as a separate effort but as part of everyday work. That alignment between values and action continues to form my company’s direction.
Q: How has community outreach impacted your leadership style?
Harmony Vallejo: Community outreach has impacted how I approach leadership in multiple ways. Listening to people and getting to know what their needs are creates clarity and direction. Leadership feels most effective when service leads the way instead of authority. Outreach encourages humility and awareness, which strengthens decision-making. Those lessons inform how I guide the team at Universal Events.
Q: How has this recognition affected your perspective as a leader moving forward?
Harmony Vallejo: This recognition taught me how to stay grounded while growing. Leadership brings greater responsibility to support both the team and the communities connected to our work. Reflection became an important part of how I view progress and success. Growth now feels more linked to accountability and consistency. The focus moving forward remains on thoughtful leadership instead of visibility.
Q: What tips would you share with leaders who want to create meaningful community impact?
Harmony Vallejo: Leaders benefit from patience and steady commitment when working toward impact. Meaningful change rarely happens through quick decisions or surface-level efforts. Listening and learning should come before action. Trust grows when leaders show consistency and transparency over time. Purpose-driven leadership creates stronger relationships and more sustainable results for communities and organizations.