Jackie Lou Velasco–Azucena

JACKIE LOU VELASCO–AZUCENA

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ARCHITECT & COMMUNITY BUILDER

Career Journey

Jackie Lou Velasco-Azucena is a proud Lasallian architect, entrepreneur, and community leader who continues to make her mark in both the professional and alumni sectors. A member of the High School Class of 1998, she is among the first girls of La Salle Bacolod who began their Lasallian journey from Grade 1, embodying the pioneering spirit of women in the institution. Today, she serves as the Lead Architect and Partner at Velasco Architects, where she leads design and construction projects grounded in integrity, collaboration, and service to the community. Beyond her professional work, Jackie Lou is also a dedicated entrepreneur and a mother raising two young athletes, balancing the demands of career, leadership, and family life.

In 2023, she made history as the first woman President of the USLS Alumni Association, a milestone that reflects both her leadership and commitment to her alma mater. Under her leadership, her batch actively supported the university's sports programs and helped provide scholarships through various fundraising initiatives. One of the career milestones she is most proud of is being entrusted by her alma mater with the renovation project of the Engineering Department Chair's Office and the Engineering Faculty Room, a meaningful opportunity to contribute her professional expertise back to the university that shaped her journey.

Achievements and Recognition
  • • Lead Architect and Partner, Velasco Architects
  • • First Woman President, USLS Alumni Association (2023)
  • • Entrepreneur and advocate for community-centered design
  • • Led alumni initiatives supporting sports programs and scholarship fundraising
  • • Renovation Architect for the USLS Engineering Department Chair's Office and Faculty Room

Leadership and Impact

Lasallian Values in Practice

Jackie Lou embodies the Lasallian principles of Faith, Zeal for Service, and Communion in Mission in her profession and engagements.

  • Faith: Her values guide her to pursue honest and equitable projects, ensuring integrity in every undertaking.
  • Zeal for Service: She dedicates extra effort to her clients, collaborators, and causes she believes in, bringing passion into her craft.
  • Communion in Mission: Her love for design and construction encourages teamwork and collaboration for the greater good of the community.

Guided by these values, her personal philosophy in business and life remains clear: "people over profit."

Advice to Young Lasallian Women

Jackie Lou encourages young Lasallians especially women to pursue their dreams with courage and purpose:

  • • Chase your dreams fearlessly. Build networks and seize opportunities to serve early.
  • • Stay rooted in faith and values as you grow in your career.
  • • Prioritize self-care and balance. Your passion and zeal will open doors.

Her journey reflects how Lasallian education can shape resilient, purpose-driven leaders who strive to uplift both their professions and their communities.