Recently Appointed Carlette Lewis to Deepen Organization’s Community Presence and Outreach

SAN DIEGO (July 20, 2021) – As a part of its commitment to the Southeastern San Diego community through growing partnerships, projects and resources in 2021, the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation has appointed Carlette Lewis as Director of Community Relations and Partnerships. The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation has prioritized community engagement for the past 26 years, and is committed to building even larger, focused and need-based partnerships and programs with a dedicated, full-time position.

In this new position, Lewis will focus on working in partnership with local leaders and organizations to provide social services, resources and arts and culture opportunities for community needs, growth and well-being. Lewis will concentrate on creating program partnerships and disseminating information regarding the nonprofit’s efforts to a wide range of community members, including neighborhood councils, planning groups, faith-based institutions, local leaders and regional partners.

“While each of our staff members serve the community in different ways, Carlette’s expertise in cultivating relationships, strategic solutions and new opportunities combined with her deep community roots create a blend of skills that prove she will excel,” said Reginald Jones, president and CEO of Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation. “She knows the community – it’s neighborhoods, characteristics and opportunities – and now the community will know her and recognize her as a resource and advocate.”

Lewis’s career background in employer relations will support her efforts to work with partners to implement community connections and economic development work aligned with the Jacobs Center’s strategic plan. Longtime involvement in the Organizational Effectiveness Committee and her role as the chair of the Western Area Conference of the San Diego Chapter of The Links, Inc., one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer services committed to enriching culture and economic survival of African Americans, lends to her community advocacy and devotion.

“My background in connecting people, organizations and businesses strongly supports the Jacobs Centers’ goals for community outreach,” said Lewis, “It’s a pleasure to serve the community I’ve been deeply rooted in professionally for many years.”

In 2020, the Jacobs Center worked with community partners to serve Southeastern San Diego residents in ways they needed – through essential resources and emergency grants in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, an informational webinar about the census and arts and culture enrichment with a pop-up art gallery featuring diverse artists, virtual play readings, a livestream variety show promoting local nonprofits, and more.

To learn more about how the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation supports community development and partnerships in Southeastern San Diego, visit jacobscenter.org. For sponsorship and program support opportunities, please contact Selina Castillo Hudgins at schudgins@jacobscenter.org.

About Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation

Founded in 1995, the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation is focused on building communities and lifting lives. As a creative catalyst and incubator, the Jacobs Center works with the community to revitalize Southeastern San Diego’s Diamond Neighborhoods. This means transforming nearly 60 acres into sustainable developments that provide residents with greater access to resources and amenities that improve their quality of life. Additionally, the Jacobs Center works with community organizations and partners to increase residents’ economic opportunities, leadership skills and educational success. Learn more at jacobscenter.org and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

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