Meet Sheri Jones | Real Estate Broker and Co-Founder of a non-profit

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheri Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheri, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
As the Broker/Owner of S.A.K.K. Realty and Co-Founder of Black San Diego, my work has always been rooted in service. In real estate, I focus on helping families build generational wealth through homeownership, especially in communities that have historically been overlooked or underrepresented. By educating first-time buyers, military families, and local residents on credit, financing, and property taxes, I’m able to break down barriers and make the path to ownership more accessible.

Through Black San Diego, we’ve created a platform that uplifts and connects nearly 50,000 community members, including small businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and local families. We host events, highlight Black-owned businesses, facilitate vendor opportunities, and bring resources directly to the neighborhood, from business seminars and meal giveaways to cultural events that circulate dollars back into our community.

Together, these two efforts work hand in hand: I use my professional expertise to help individuals stabilize their lives through real estate, while Black San Diego builds the social, cultural, and economic ecosystem around them. The goal is community empowerment, economic mobility, and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Black San Diego started in 2016 with a simple Facebook post from my business partner, Tinicia Smith, asking, “Where are all the Black-owned businesses?” That one question sparked a movement. From there, we created a platform dedicated to helping entrepreneurs start, develop, and sustain their businesses. What began as a community directory has evolved into a powerful ecosystem that provides visibility, education, networking, economic opportunities, and cultural connections. Since then, our platform has grown beyond anything I could have imagined. In 2021, we transitioned into a nonprofit so we could expand our reach, apply for grants, and build programs that directly uplift and empower small businesses and families across San Diego.

But I always tell people, none of this was easy. When we started BSD, we had no idea it would grow into this large organization. We found ourselves constantly trying to stay ahead of the demand, the needs of the community, and the responsibilities that came with leading such a massive platform. We also didn’t know anything about managing a nonprofit at first. We learned through trial, error, late nights, and pure commitment to the people we serve. Our growth required us to stretch, adapt, and elevate in ways we never expected.

At the same time, I was building my real estate company, S.A.K.K. Realty, named my daughters and me. Starting a brokerage came with its own challenges. There wasn’t a lot of information out there, and I didn’t have a mentor or blueprint to follow. I had to take a leap of faith, trust my abilities, and figure things out along the way. I learned the legal, financial, and operational side of running a brokerage in real time, all while serving clients and making sure I showed up with excellence.

Launching my brokerage was personal. It wasn’t just about selling homes; it was about representation, integrity, and creating a pathway to generational wealth for the community of San Diego. I saw how many people were left out of the homeownership conversation simply because they didn’t have access to clear guidance or someone who truly cared about their long-term success. Through S.A.K.K. Realty, I educate families on credit, financing, property taxes, VA benefits, probate and trust processes, and long-term wealth building. As a military spouse and certified Military Relocation Professional, I also understand the unique challenges of families who move often or buy homes sight unseen.

Today, I’m proud that both Black San Diego and S.A.K.K. Realty work hand in hand. One strengthens the economic foundation of our community, and the other helps families build generational wealth and stability through real estate. Together, they reflect my mission: service, empowerment, resilience, and creating lasting impact for generations to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit San Diego for a full week, I’d make sure they experienced the absolute best of our city through the lens of Black-owned businesses, culture, food, and entertainment. Here’s exactly how I’d plan it:

Day 1 – Welcome to San Diego
We’d kick things off with coffee and great vibes at Mental Bar, then head over to Maya’s Cookies for the best gourmet vegan cookies in the country. For dinner, we’d go to Louisiana Purchase, where the food, cocktails, and New Orleans atmosphere never disappoint. After dinner, we’d slide over to Lou Lou’s for live music.

Day 2 – Art, Culture & Community
We’d start the day in the Black Arts & Cultural District for an art walk, supporting local Black artists and creators. For lunch, we’d grab something flavorful from Chef Budda’s Blasian Soul Food, because nobody blends flavors like Chef Budda. That evening, we’d check out an SD Melanin event, always full of good people, positive energy, and high quality vibes.

Day 3 – Fitness & Food
In the morning, we’d hit Daygo Performance for a high-energy workout that leaves you feeling strong and accomplished. Afterward, we’d recover over brunch and specialty drinks at Spacebar Café in La Mesa.

Day 4 – Nightlife & Hidden Gems
We’d enjoy craft cocktails at Understory Bar, a stylish and unique space. Dinner would be at Malibu Farm, where the ocean views alone are worth the reservation. For nightlife, we’d check out a High Definition DND (Do Not Disturb) event, curated music, great energy, and always the right crowd.

Day 5 – Music & the Waterfront
We’d spend the afternoon enjoying a yacht day on the water, soaking up the sun and San Diego skyline. Then in the evening, we’d head to a concert at The Rady Shell, one of the most stunning outdoor music venues in the country.

Day 6 – Food & Community Vibes
Sunday would be for celebrating community but first, attend church at Bayview Baptist Church. Then we’d attend Soul Sunday, for more live music, art, small businesses, and great energy. If we’re still hungry afterward, we might end the night with more amazing food at Louisiana Purchase, because it’s that good.

Day 7 – Relax & Reflect
We’d close the week with a peaceful morning coffee back at Mental Bar, reflecting on a week filled with excellence, culture, and connection.

And on their way out, I’d recommend stopping at Sip Wine & Beer at the airport to enjoy one last experience before heading home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to give all honor and thanks to God. Every opportunity, every blessing, and every door that has opened for me has been through His grace. My faith keeps me grounded, focused, and equipped to serve others with purpose.

I also want to thank my community, the people who show up, support, encourage, and believe in the work I’m doing. From my family to Black San Diego to the clients and partners who trust me, they are the backbone of my journey. My community has poured into me in ways big and small, and their support fuels everything I do. I wouldn’t be here without that collective strength, love, and connection.

Website: www.ourbsd.com www.sakkrealty

Instagram: ilovesheeya Black San Diego

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheri-jones-189164174/