Leadership
Introducing Our Dynamo Team

Reginald Jones
President and CEO of the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation
A visionary leader and strong voice for innovative, grassroots change, Reginald works extensively with culturally diverse residents and partner organizations to implement neighborhood revitalization programs in San Diego.

Alex Waters
Director of CONNECT ALL @ the Jacobs Center
With great passion and aptitude, Alex runs the accelerator program and Business Resource Center. He specializes in connecting startup founders with the resources needed to ensure their business ideas, confidence and investments lead to results.

Danea Ramos
Manager of CONNECT ALL @ the Jacobs Center
Danea is experienced in helping startups and small businesses. She has a passion for working with diverse businesses with experience around the world and providing resources to entrepreneurs.

Christie Marcella
Director of Economic Development & Innovation of the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation
Christie Marcella is the Director of Economic Development and Innovation for the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation. In this role, she leads the physical implementation of a community based master plan while ensuring effective placemaking and economic development program opportunities are realized to support community access to the region’s growth and innovation. Previously, she was the Economic Development Manager for the City of Carlsbad where she managed programs focused on business expansion, attraction and retention; downtown revitalization; and the talent attraction brand Life in Action®

Selena Ellis-Vizcarra
Compliance & Project Manager for the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation
Selena serves as the Compliance & Project Manager for the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation. She has over 30 years of public, private and startup experience in the areas of corporate development, fundraising project, program and grant management. She’s a native San Diegan dedicated to improving economic opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs especially in Promise Zone, Southeast San Diego and the South Bay.
Partnering for Startup Success
Meet Our Founding Partners and Major Funders
CAJC is a strategic partnership between the City of San Diego, Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation and CONNECT. This program is funded in whole or in part with Community Development Block Grant program funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to the City of San Diego. Private funding is also provided by partners MUFG Union Bank N.A. and bkm OfficeWorks.




Welcome to an Active and Inspiring Workspace.
Gem in the Diamond Neighborhoods
Our accelerator is based in the bustling Diamond District in Southeastern San Diego. Our cooperative workspaces and robust Business Resource Center are housed in the Joe and Vi Jacobs Center (next door to Market Creek Plaza and the Euclid Avenue Transit Center), offering our startups top-notch business services, professional amenities and a collaborative community of enterprising entrepreneurs.
Get in Touch
Say Something or Ask Anything
Have questions about our accelerator program? Considering launching a startup? Need help with your current business? Want to offer your professional expertise or supply seed money? Reach out! We’ll happily answer any questions, respond to your generous offers or simply satisfy your curiosity.