The evening of Monday, August 22, was a magical night.
Jackie Camacho Ruiz, CEO of JJR Marketing and Fig Factor Media, stood on the stage of Judson University in Elgin, Illinois, hosting the World Leaders Form Inspirational Series event with two incredibly inspiring gentlemen. On her right was her friend, Rick Najera, an award-winning screenwriter, actor, director, producer, sketch comedian, author, playwright, coach and national speaker with an expansive portfolio of credits in all forms of entertainment. To her left was the incomparable star of screen and stage, Edward James Olmos.
How did she get there? It’s a long story but I think we can sum it up in one word.
Service.
Years ago, Jackie attended the World Leaders Forum (WLF) and was inspired to serve the organization in some way, shape or form. She called up Mark Vargas, Chair of the WLF Board, and asked just one question: How can I help?
Soon after, she was invited to join the Board of the WLF. The 2022 Inspirational Series event was the first one planned after a five-year hiatus. When Jackie was asked for speaker suggestions, it didn’t take long for her to think of Rick Najera and Edward James Olmos. They were a dynamic duo she had crossed paths with already on several occasions!
Several years ago, Jackie had invited Rick to speak at an inspirational conference held in Puerto Vallarta. Rick is a national speaker with an expansive portfolio of credits in all forms of entertainment. A friendship was born, and Jackie and Rick went on to collaborate on many projects. She was a guest on Rick’s series, “Latina Thoughtmakers” and his podcast, “Najera in America.”
Then, when Fig Factor Media was putting together the first edition of the first edition of Today’s Young Inspired Latina, Jackie was seeking a very special preface writer for the first volume. She asked the architect of the series, Alexandria Rios Tayler, to consider someone to be her “dream” writer of the preface. “Edward James Olmos!” replied Alex. She was a big fan, not only of his acting, but of his dedication to literacy and advancing the education of young Latinos. As Jackie prides herself on making dreams come true, she asked Rick if he had any connection to Mr. Olmos. “He’s my children’s godfather,” Rick replied. Indeed, dreams are made by persistence and sometimes, by the universe aligning as well! Jackie made the request and Olmos graciously provided the preface.
Edward James Olmos is also best known as a distinguished actor, nominated for the most prestigious awards on stage and screen, as well as a humanitarian and activist. He brought characters alive in such shows as the SyFy network series, Battlestar Galactica (Admiral Adama), Zoot Suit (El Pacheco), Wolfen (Eddie Holt), Blade Runner (Gaff), and Miami Vice (Lt. Martin Castillo). For his poignant portrayal of famous teacher Jaime Escalante in the film, Stand and Deliver, he became the first American-born Hispanic to receive an Academy Award nomination for best actor. He inspires others 150 times a year on stages at schools, universities, and corporations and lends time and talent to organizations such as Thank You Ocean, Project Hope Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, the Boys and Girls Club of America among others. He is also a great advocate for Latino literacy and co-founded the International Latino Book Awards.
So began Jackie’s relationship with Edward James Olmos. She was delighted when both gentlemen accepted her invitation to appear at the World Leaders Forum Inspirational Series at Judson University. At a VIP reception before the event, Olmos cheerfully posed for pictures.
One guest, Alicia Ponce, was especially excited to meet him. Her book from Fig Factor Media, Latinas in Architecture: Stories of raising the 1% one Latina at a time, is an anthology of stories from Latinas in the profession. The book was recently honored with a gold medal by Olmos’ International Latino Book Awards. “You gave me the gold medal!” she told him, grateful to be able to express her thanks in person.
After the VIP event, four hundred attendees gathered in Judson’s Herrick Chapel to hear the renowned actor speak. With warmth and humor, Olmos had much to say about discipline in life and the importance of “doing what you love every day even if you don’t feel like doing it.” Because he devotes himself thoroughly to his craft, he had incredible success in baseball and music before he found his undeniable passion for acting. His career spans over fifty years and credits as an actor, producer, director, and composer.
Then Jackie and the two men sat down for a panel discussion and to take questions from the audience. Edward James Olmos challenged everyone to appreciate diversity, experience other cultures and always rise above stereotypes. Rick Najera, who recently collaborated on an inspirational book about communication from Fig Factor Media entitled “Ignite the Fire Within,” reminded the audience that you never know who your words and actions may inspire.
Rick’s appearance at the event was a true gift as he was just seven days out from a brain surgery. Olmos had been at his hospital bed. The inspiration from both gentlemen in both words and actions at this event was a true testament to their friendship and dedication to sharing their messages with audiences.
Jackie presented Rick with a Community Champion award for igniting the flame of inspiration. Mark Vargas presented Olmos with an antique watch, as a memento of his visit to Elgin, known for its history of watchmaking. All proceeds from the event went towards scholarships encompassing leadership, diversity, entrepreneurship and the RISE program at Judson University.
“I was incredibly honored to be on stage with these two great men and to help bring such an amazing program to Judson University and the community,” Jackie said. “I’m looking forward to many more!”
