San José, CA — September 23, 2025 — The School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza (SOAC) today announced a major organizational milestone: the transition from a Co-Executive Director model to a C-Suite leadership structure. This evolution strengthens SOAC’s foundation, ensures long-term stability, and enhances its role as a cultural and community anchor in East San José.
The new structure reflects SOAC’s growth and increasing impact. Key roles will include Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Deputy Director of Programs, and Deputy Director of Development. Immediate priorities for 2025 include establishing the CEO role and recruiting a CFO. Effective immediately, the SOAC Board of Directors has appointed Jessica Paz-Cedillos as the organization’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer.
“Adopting a C-Suite model ensures that SOAC is prepared to meet the scale and complexity of its work and future aspirations,” said Itza Sanchez, Board President of SOAC. “Jessica has been a driving force behind SOAC’s success, and her leadership will guide the organization with clarity, vision, and care.”
Under Paz-Cedillos’s leadership, SOAC has grown into a vibrant hub for culture, creativity, and community development. She has guided the organization through the pandemic, expanded its role in the Sí Se Puede Collective, and advanced transformative projects that place culture at the center of community resilience.
SOAC and its partners are currently advancing key milestones:
- Closing the funding gap for La Placita and preparing for the construction of a 28,000-square-foot cultural and community facility.
- Championing the designation of La Avenida as San José’s first cultural district.
- Planning the future development of the Mexican Heritage Plaza campus, including affordable housing and community-serving commercial space.
This is a pivotal moment for SOAC, and I step into this role with deep gratitude and humility,” said Jessica Paz-Cedillos, CEO of SOAC. “As our work grows in scale and complexity, this new leadership structure will provide stability and clarity while allowing us to deliver greater impact. With the support of our partners and community, SOAC is becoming not only a cultural hub, but also a trusted developer shaping the future of East San José.”
This transition comes as SOAC builds momentum with key partners, including ongoing support from the Knight Foundation and the California Arts Council’s consideration of designating La Avenida as a state cultural district.
About the School of Arts and Culture at MHP
The School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza (SOAC) is a cultural and community anchor in East San José. SOAC’s mission is to catalyze creativity and culture as powerful forces for community resilience and transformation. Through programs, partnerships, and place-based initiatives, SOAC advances equity, strengthens families, and builds vibrant public spaces.
