Meet Jessica Gallegos

We recently connected with Jessica Gallegos and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room has been both a challenge and an opportunity that has shaped my journey. As a Hispanic woman living in St. Louis Misosuri, I’ve learned that my uniqueness is my strength. I don’t just bring my voice to the table—I bring the voices of my culture, my community, and the many others who have felt underrepresented. That sense of purpose fuels me.

I’ve found that preparation and self-awareness are key. Walking into a room where no one looks like you can feel daunting, but when you’re grounded in your expertise and confident in your value, that feeling transforms into determination. I also focus on building meaningful relationships. Connecting with others on a human level creates bridges that break down stereotypes and open doors for collaboration.

But the most important lesson I’ve learned is to remain unapologetically myself. My presence is a reminder that diversity is not a checkbox—it’s a necessity. When I speak up, I do it with intention, knowing that my voice carries the power to challenge perspectives and create change.

I see these moments as an opportunity not just to succeed for myself, but to pave the way for others like me, proving that we belong in every space, every room, and every conversation.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As the face of Telemundo St. Louis, I have the incredible privilege of representing the Hispanic community on a platform that reaches thousands. My work goes beyond being in front of the camera—it’s about telling stories that matter, connecting with our audience, and showcasing the richness and resilience of our culture. What makes this role so special is knowing that I’m helping to bridge communities, amplify voices that need to be heard, and celebrate the contributions of Hispanic leaders and families in St. Louis.

One of the most exciting aspects of what I do is the opportunity to share meaningful moments and foster connections. Whether I’m hosting events, highlighting local achievements, or interviewing inspiring individuals, every day brings a new opportunity to inform and uplift.

This year, I’m especially thrilled to launch a new podcast, St. Lou-ish, with a close friend. Through this project, we’ll explore the unique joys and challenges of living in St. Louis, offering fresh, relatable perspectives. It’s an exciting way to connect with audiences on a personal level and dive into conversations that truly resonate.

I also want readers to know that my work with Telemundo St. Louis is part of a larger mission—to ensure that Hispanic voices are celebrated, our stories are shared, and our community feels represented and empowered. Together, we are building a legacy of pride, connection, and unstoppable strength.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been at the heart of my growth: resilience, authenticity, and a deep sense of purpose.

Resilience has been my foundation. There were moments when I felt the weight of being the only Hispanic woman in the room, questioning whether I truly belonged. But instead of letting those doubts hold me back, I used them as motivation to keep moving forward. Resilience is about more than enduring challenges—it’s about transforming them into opportunities to grow and create space for others to follow.

Authenticity has been my compass. Whether I’m on camera representing Telemundo St. Louis, engaging with the community, or sharing my story, staying true to myself has been my greatest strength. People connect with sincerity, and I’ve learned that being authentic not only builds trust but also fosters meaningful relationships that leave a lasting impact.

Above all, a deep sense of purpose drives everything I do. My work is more than a career—it’s a mission to amplify the voices of the Hispanic community and celebrate our culture. Every story I tell, every event I host, and every interaction I have is rooted in the goal of making people feel seen, valued, and proud of who they are.

For those starting their journey, my advice is to trust in your own path. Be resilient when faced with challenges, stay authentic in everything you do, and let purpose guide your decisions. When your work reflects who you truly are and what you deeply care about, you’ll find fulfillment and create a meaningful impact.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, my first step is to pause and take a moment to breathe. In those moments, slowing down helps me clear my mind and reset. Once I’ve taken that breath, I focus on breaking things down into manageable steps. I remind myself that I don’t need to tackle everything at once. Prioritizing tasks and focusing on one thing at a time allows me to regain control and move forward with clarity.

Another strategy I rely on is reaching out to my support system. Whether it’s my team, family, or friends, having a solid network to lean on makes all the difference. It’s okay to ask for help or delegate when necessary. We don’t have to carry everything on our shoulders alone.

And, when things get really overwhelming, I reconnect with my purpose. Reminding myself why I’m doing what I’m doing helps me gain perspective and reignite my passion. I take time to reflect on my bigger mission, and that reminder gives me the strength to keep pushing forward.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, my advice is to be kind to yourself. Pause, break things down, lean on those you trust, and reconnect with your deeper purpose. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away—and you definitely don’t have to navigate it alone.

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