Interview with Harmony Vallejo, CEO of Universal Events Inc.: Empowering People and Supporting Positive Change
Harmony Vallejo is the founder and CEO of Universal Events Inc., a company she launched in 2014 to help organizations strengthen their community engagement through summits, workshops, and tactical outreach programs. With 20+ years of experience in communications, non-profit initiatives, and Fortune 500 companies, Vallejo has created a career focused on service, mentorship, and purposeful leadership. She was recently featured in Marquis Who’s Who for her contributions to business, community work, and professional development.
Q: Congratulations on your recognition from Marquis Who’s Who. How did you react when you first heard the news?
HARMONY VALLEJO: Thank you. The recognition made me pause and reflect on my career so far. I have never focused on awards and outside validation, so hearing that I was chosen was a meaningful surprise. It really made me appreciate the hard work that both my team and I have put into building Universal Events over the years. I also thought about the numerous mentors and colleagues who supported me throughout my career and made me the leader that I am today. Most of all, I felt grateful, because recognition like this only matters when it matches the values you work to uphold each day.
Q: Universal Events has grown a lot since its inception in 2014. What do you think has contributed most to that growth?
HARMONY VALLEJO: Our growth has always come from a focus on service and community impact. We pay close attention to the needs of the organizations we work with, and we design programs that help them connect with people in meaningful ways. Consistency has also made an impact, because staying committed to our mission has allowed us to grow into more than twenty markets. I also credit our team, because their passion and reliability make every project and every partnership more impactful. When people feel supported and equipped to succeed, they naturally help the company grow authentically and sustainably.
Q: Your career spans media, corporate work, and non-profit leadership. How has that impacted how you lead today?
HARMONY VALLEJO: My time in media taught me the importance of clarity and communication, and those skills influence every aspect of my leadership. Working in corporate environments helped me understand large-scale operations, structure, and long-term planning. My non-profit experience taught me how to work with empathy and purpose, and that lesson guides the values of Universal Events. I bring all of these experiences into how I train our team, because leadership should be both strategic and human-centered. Having a varied background helps me see situations from different angles, and that perspective makes me a better partner to clients and a better leader for my team.
Q: You are involved in numerous community causes such as Sister’s Circle. What motivates your commitment to this work?
HARMONY VALLEJO: Community work reminds me of why I chose this career initially. I believe that everyone deserves access to support, encouragement, and the tools needed to grow, especially young people. Stand for the Silent, Sister’s Circle, and Vision Keepers all represent values that matter a lot to me, including personal development and the protection of vulnerable communities. Being able to contribute even in a small way to those missions keeps me focused on what really matters. Service is not something I view as separate from my work, because leadership should always extend beyond professional responsibilities and into the communities that shape us.
Q: What goals or opportunities are you excited about as Universal Events Inc. continues to grow?
HARMONY VALLEJO: I am excited about growing the programs that help our clients build stronger community connections, because the need for meaningful engagement continues to grow. We are developing new ways to support both non-profit and for-profit partners through training, workshops, and outreach projects that focus on long-term results. I also look forward to growing our internal team, because their creativity and hard work allow us to keep improving our services. Another priority is strengthening relationships with organizations that share our commitment to empowerment and personal development. The future feels promising, and I am proud of the direction we are headed as we continue building work that truly benefits the communities we serve.
