Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandra Tessier.
Hi Alejandra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Fox Theater Pomona
My name is Alejandra Tessier, I was born in Mexico and raised in a low-income family, I never had the opportunity to attend a theater or performing arts center growing up—it simply wasn’t accessible to people like me. Today, as the Operations Manager of the historic Fox Theater Pomona, I am determined to change that reality for my community.
The Fox Theater is a landmark my Husband and his family helped bring back to life through their long-standing commitment to restoring historic buildings and transforming them into vibrant mixed-use spaces in Pomona and across the Inland Empire. The family business has specialized in preserving the past while creating meaningful places for the future.
In 2002, the City of Pomona purchased the Fox Theater after years of neglect under its previous ownership. In 2007 recognizing the theater’s cultural and architectural value, city officials approached the family to take on its restoration. My father-in-law accepted the challenge without hesitation, unaware of the immense effort and resources the project would demand. I quickly became deeply involved, focusing on the theater’s design and décor, while my husband and brother-in-law managed the construction. During the process, a complicated pregnancy temporarily took me away from the project, but my mother-in-law, Cathy Tessier, stepped in to ensure the project’s completion.
Once the restoration was finished, the family partnered with an outside operator to run the venue. After twelve years, that operator moved on, and I stepped into the role of Operations Manager. I accepted the position with one guiding principle: that the theater should remain open and accessible to the entire community. In December of 2023, I partnered with Tradicion Dance Company a local folklorico group and launched a free cultural tradition—the first La Gran Posada—to celebrate and honor Pomona’s Latino community. What began as a single event has since grown into the theater’s 4th Annual La Gran Posada and the 2nd Annual Día de los Muertos celebration, both of which are offered free to the public.
Looking ahead, I am committed to expanding the theater’s role as a gathering place for all, with more community-focused events that preserve cultural heritage while fostering connection, joy, and inclusivity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I first stepped into operating the Fox Theater, many saw me as a Latina who probably didn’t know anything about running a theater—and they were right. I didn’t know the ins and outs of theater operations or concessions. But what I did have was the will to learn. Little by little, I’ve built my understanding, and though I am still learning every day, I now have a much clearer vision of what it takes to keep this historic place alive.
I took over operations just as we were coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when everything felt like starting from scratch. Audiences were smaller, people weren’t spending as much on concerts, and bar sales—such a crucial part of our income—were down. At the same time, our lighting system was outdated and in dire need of upgrades. Through persistence, donations, and tough negotiations, I’ve been able to bring in improvements piece by piece.
What people don’t always realize is that the bills come whether or not we host a show. The theater must survive beyond ticket sales alone. That means we have to be creative, resourceful, and relentless in finding ways to make ends meet. This journey has been full of challenges, but it has also been a testament to resilience, community support, the creative voices in underserved communities eager to share their stories and the belief that the Fox Theater deserves not just to survive, but to thrive.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Arteco Management is a family-owned property management company that oversees and cares for all of the family’s real estate holdings. We take pride in fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Most of our staff are women, with nearly 80% being Latinas, reflecting the diverse communities we serve. Many of our employees have been with us for decades, with some dedicated team members working here for over 40 years. Their loyalty and experience form the backbone of our success, creating a company culture built on trust, stability, and community values.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love about Pomona is that it’s a city rich in culture and diversity. Though it’s considered part of the suburbs, it has a distinctly urban character, making it one of the closest Inland Empire communities to reflect the feel of Los Angeles. Especially with the incredible range of hundreds of performances a year in legendary venues like the Haven, the Glass House, the Fox theater and downtown’s newest venue the Cathedral. Unfortunately, from the 1980s through the early 2000s, Pomona carried a reputation for high crime. Over the past 25 years, however, the city has transformed significantly. While the negative image still lingers, the reality today is far different—Pomona has grown into a vibrant, thriving community that deserves recognition for its progress and creative scene.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://FoxPomona.com
- Instagram: @foxpomona
