Jheovanny Gomez, local restauranteur and philanthropist, will serve as the 2022 United Way of West Alabama (UWWA) Campaign Chair. The Campaign Chair sets the annual campaign goal, helps identify new funding sources and builds relationships with community leaders and corporate donors to garner crucial financial support for UWWA’s 26 partner agencies across West Alabama.

A native of Columbia, South America, Gomez moved to Tuscaloosa in May 1999to study English at the ELI (English Language Institute) at the University of Alabama. He has an Associates Degree in Business Administration from Shelton State Community College. In 2001, he helped open the first Jalapeños Mexican Grill in Downtown Tuscaloosa, and subsequently, he was offered the opportunity to become a Co-owner. Jalapeños presently have 3 locations in Tuscaloosa and Northport.