Toledo, Ohio, October 25, 2022: Taylor Balderas-Burciaga, Executive Director of the Sofia Quintero Arts and Cultural Center, received a 2022 20 Under 40 Leadership Recognition Award on Tuesday, October 25 at the 27th annual 20 Under 40 awards ceremony. She was among the 20 selected from a field of 168 candidates.
In her role, Balderas-Burciaga has developed SQACC into a self-sustaining not for profit, added programs, and is developing a plan to see how mental health services can be relaunched in the community. In response to COVID, they distributed over 500 art kits and provided over 3000 meals to students, families, and seniors. Her 15 years working with non-profits also includes involvement with Viva South CDC, Toledo Cultural Arts Center, and the Maumee Chamber of Commerce. Balderas-Burciaga is a member of the Broadway Corridor Coalition Core Committee which is implementing a master plan that includes street reconstruction, landscapes, and bike paths.
A Bowling Green State University grad, Balderas-Burciaga returned to her Old South End community to continue involvement with her time and resources. She is a trustee for the Toledo Lucas County Land Bank, serves on the Executive Committee and the Planning and Economic Committees for the Broadway Corridor Coalition, is a member of the Toledo Lucas County Workforce and Economic Development Committee, the Toledo Latino Leaders Collaborative, Toledo Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee and Forward Toledo Plan. She is a past member of Toledo City Council, serving as the youngest female and Latina.
Balderas-Burciaga was the recipient of the 2019 BGSU Latinx Issue Conference Award and the 2021 Diamante Award. She received a 4-year scholarship from the President’s Leadership Academy to attend BGSU and is the first in her family to graduate from college.
The 20 Under 40 program focuses on individuals in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan under the age of 40 who have distinguished themselves in their career and/or in the community. An independent panel selects the 20 candidates for recognition. It is intended that the program will further motivate young leaders in our area. Since 1996, 540 young, community leaders have been recognized through the 20 Under 40 program.
Program sponsors include Eastman & Smith; Fifth Third Bank; Plante Moran; The Andersons, Inc.; University of Toledo; and Dana Incorporated. BCAN/Buckeye Broadband serve as media/broadcast partner, Leadership Toledo serves as the community partner, and Telex Communications, Inc. is the founding partner. Ulrich Pinciotti and THREAD are creative partners. Community support is provided by EPIC Toledo, Imagination Station, The Toledo Repertoire Theatre, Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Opera, Toledo Rotary, Toledo Zoo, and the Valentine Theatre.
Editor’s Note: Balderas-Burciaga resides in Perrysburg with her husband and children.