Why She’s Interesting: As the executive director of the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development, Jenice Contreras has led the organization’s push for CentroVilla25, an ambitious market supporting local entrepreneurs in Cleveland’s Clark-Fulton neighborhood, to fruition. And it’s happening right where Contreras grew up and attended high school; the building that will host the future marketplace, set to open this year, is visible from her childhood apartment’s balcony.
Clark-Fulton’s Phases: Contreras has seen major changes come to her neighborhood, with waves of big-box stores wiping out residential properties and small storefronts that used to be common on Clark Avenue. “You thought it was a good thing to hear Walgreen’s was moving into your neighborhood, or the dollar store,” Contreras says. “Not all investment is good investment.”
Rey of Light: One of those storefronts housed Cristo Rey, Contreras’ old church. “It was such a significant place for young people growing up in the neighborhood, regardless of whether you are Catholic or not,” she says. “It was formational for me, growing up, being able to have that little storefront church form not just my faith, but my leadership skills in the community and in the neighborhood.”
Lifelong Clevelander: Since moving to Cleveland at 10 years old with her mom, Contreras hasn’t lived anywhere else. She started at Cleveland State University, then left school when she had two sons — Karl and Kyle. Later, she finished her bachelor’s degree in 2006 through Capital University night classes. In 2012, she got her executive MBA from Ohio State. “I’m living the dream,” Contreras says. “I go to Puerto Rico as often as I can, and I spend most of my time in Cleveland.”
Lifting Up Community: With the Center, Contreras is redefining Clark-Fulton as “La Villa Hispana,” based on its large Hispanic population. “What is consistent about the neighborhood is the community, the residents: the people that live in this neighborhood wanting to make it a better place.”
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