Outstanding Women of Valencia County:

Pauline Vallejos

Published March 13, 2025 - 5:00 a.m. Modified March 13, 2025 - 12:28 p.m.

Pauline Vallejos is the supervisor of security for Belen Consolidated Schools, and is a Title 9 investigator. She is also the head BHS cheer coach and an assistant powerlifting coach.

She is the owner and operator of Elite Muscle and Fitness in Belen, and is a licensed personal trainer.

She is a graduate of Albuquerque Public Schools, and has some secondary education and trade school certifications.

Pauline is married to her husband, Mario Vallejos, and they have four adult children, three daughters and one son; three sons-in-law and one daughter-in-law, nine grandchildren (with another on the way), and one great-grandchild.

Vallejos serves on the Juvenile Justice Committee, is a member of the National Federation of High School Sports, is ISSA-member certified and a bodybuilding competitor/athlete with NPC.

How do you balance being a coach and a business owner?

“Coaching is a lifestyle and not work as I enjoy working with student athletes. One advantage is owning a gym and coaching athletics go hand in hand and I enjoy it so it’s not a job to me. Working with the youth in my job and on the sports field and finally seeing them in my gym finding healthy lifestyle makes it worth it.”

What is one of your accomplishments that you are most proud of?

“Knowing that all of my adult children are successfully raising their children on the foundation of God.”

Have you had any life-changing experiences that led you to where you are today?

“So, I have been super blessed in my life. Every day that I getup, I just try to live each day better than yesterday. If I could say there was something particular that got me to where I am now, not really. Just knowing that I’ve been gifted in life and the will to love and give back is enough for me.”

What motivates your community involvement and being an active presence in the community?

“I love people. I’m originally from Albuquerque and moved here more than 25 years ago and raised my kids here. My husband and I have owned multiple businesses and have always been involved.

“The biggest motivation that I have found is working with kids and young adults. When you see a child succeed on the field or in life, just knowing that you had an influence on that person is all the motivation I need.”

If you could say one thing to your younger self or give them one piece of advice what would it be?

“Pursue your education to the fullest. Work hard at what makes you happy and never hold back on your dreams. Take care of your body as it is 10 times harder to reach your goals as you get older.”

What goal(s) are you working toward right now?

“At work, to continue to work hard at maintaining safety and security at Belen Schools.

“As a coach, I want to change the culture of Belen Cheer and help them be recognized as athletes and to win state championships and achieve academic goals in life.

“In business, I want to continue to help my clients achieve their fitness goals as I pursue mine.

“And continue to be the best I can at being a wife, mom, grandmother and a servant of God.”