Edward Valentin-Lugo, a proud Puerto Rican native raised in the inner-city of Cleveland, Ohio, serves as the Learning Center Media Coordinator at JumpStart. With a background deeply rooted in his cultural heritage, Edward has devoted his career to the arts and community engagement, focusing on the complexities of Latino identity in Cleveland. His artistic endeavors seek to express and navigate these nuances, offering a voice and platform for other aspiring artists and youths.

Prior to joining JumpStart, Edward’s work centered on developing his personal artistic projects while providing mentorship to young artists striving to cultivate their own identities. His passion for community empowerment is evident in his dedication to making technology and educational resources accessible to underserved communities through JumpStart’s Community Innovation Learning Centers. These centers emphasize digital literacy, workforce readiness, STEM principles, and 5G entrepreneurship, aiming to build digital inclusivity and social mobility.

In his role, Edward is responsible for the daily operations of one of the learning centers, where he ensures a welcoming, safe, and engaging environment. He oversees program implementation, supports training and programming, engages with the community, and manages volunteer and intern involvement. His commitment to excellence in customer service and his ability to foster community connections are instrumental in advancing JumpStart’s mission to transform communities through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Edward holds a deep commitment to his Cleveland roots and continues to influence and inspire through his professional and personal contributions to the city’s cultural and educational landscapes.