Meet Jazzmen Vega- Heath, she is 36 years old. She works as a Property Manager in Springfield, OR. She is the Vice President of the Oregon Black Business Alliance. She is a single mom to a teenage son and a proud Afro-Rican.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m a single mom. I moved to Oregon with my parents and younger brother when I was 12 yrs old. My family relocated here from Buffalo, New York to help take care of my elderly, great aunt and uncle in Cottage Grove. My parents both work with individuals in the community in need of housing and homeless services. My brother is a boxer. My aunt passed away 3yrs ago and spent her life studying our family’s genealogy. My uncle is a Vietnam Vet, who served on the 173rd Airborne Brigade. My uncle was one of the first Black Sargent to have an all white platoon in Cottage Grove.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently a property manager. I manage 100 tax credit property units and about 70 market rent units. I have been in this field of work for 5 years. I have always enjoyed assisting family complete the process of moving into a home.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favorite hot spots to eat at around town are Sushi Station, Legend of Szechuan, Pastini and Don Juan’s Mexican Restaurant
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have been in Oregon for about 20 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Leah Dunbar, she was my high school language arts instructor and has always spoke light into me.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would like to travel to Africa. I want to experience being in a space where I’m not a minority.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
One of my favorite movies is Waiting to Exhale and I love watching American Horror Story
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t be afraid to step into your power and live your life to your fullest potential.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to take a trip to check out the 7 wonders of the world.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Prince and the Revolution
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Lazar’s Bazar
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would like to have lunch with Oprah Winfrey at Pastini. I’d like just talk to her candidly about various topics.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I enjoy how accessible the outdoors is. On any given day my son and I like to ride our bikes around town or hike local trails.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself as a successful business owner and a commissioner.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a chronic night owl.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Whale watching in Newport.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
February 22nd. My birthday of course.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Any place in town that make a great cruller donut. Those are my favorite.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My son. I strive to teach him that anything is possible when you constantly push forward.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
fresh linen and gardenias
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Food, Love and Utopia
