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Meet the Team

DISTRICT MAP

April Spears-Mays

Executive Director

April Spears-Mays is a San Francisco community leader, cultural strategist, entrepreneur, and advocate for equitable economic development in Bayview Hunters Point. Born and raised in the Bayview, April has dedicated her career to uplifting Black arts, culture, small businesses, and community visibility throughout San Francisco’s southeastern neighborhoods.

As the Executive Director of the San Francisco African American Arts & Cultural District, April leads initiatives focused on cultural preservation, economic empowerment, tourism activation, public partnerships, and corridor revitalization along Third Street and the 94124 community. Under her leadership, the District has expanded programming, strengthened partnerships with city agencies and community organizations, and elevated Bayview Hunters Point as a destination for arts, culture, and Black excellence.

Before stepping into executive leadership, April built a respected reputation as a business owner, restaurateur, event producer, and community connector through ventures such as Auntie April’s and Café Envy. Her work bridges grassroots organizing with institutional collaboration, helping connect residents, artists, entrepreneurs, property owners, and public agencies to opportunities that create lasting community impact.

Known for her bold leadership style, relationship building, and commitment to authentic community representation, April continues to champion initiatives that center equity, legacy business support, cultural tourism, and neighborhood investment. Her work reflects a deep belief that arts and culture are not only tools for celebration, but engines for healing, visibility, economic mobility, and community power.

April Spears-Mays is a San Francisco community leader, cultural strategist, entrepreneur, and advocate for equitable economic development in Bayview Hunters Point. Born and raised in the Bayview, April has dedicated her career to uplifting Black arts, culture, small businesses, and community visibility throughout San Francisco’s southeastern neighborhoods. As the Executive Director of the San Francisco African American Arts & Cultural District, April leads initiatives focused on cultural preservation, economic empowerment, tourism activation, public partnerships, and corridor revitalization along Third Street and the 94124 community. Under her leadership, the District has expanded programming, strengthened partnerships with city agencies and community organizations, and elevated Bayview Hunters Point as a destination for arts, culture, and Black excellence. Before stepping into executive leadership, April built a respected reputation as a business owner, restaurateur, event producer, and community connector through ventures such as Auntie April’s and Café Envy. Her work bridges grassroots organizing with institutional collaboration, helping connect residents, artists, entrepreneurs, property owners, and public agencies to opportunities that create lasting community impact. Known for her bold leadership style, relationship building, and commitment to authentic community representation, April continues to champion initiatives that center equity, legacy business support, cultural tourism, and neighborhood investment. Her work reflects a deep belief that arts and culture are not only tools for celebration, but engines for healing, visibility, economic mobility, and community power.

Jennifer Gayden

Director of Operations

Jennifer Gayden, Director of Operations for the San Francisco African American Arts and Cultural District, is a Bay Area native, born in San Francisco and raised in Oakland. With a BA in Business focusing on Economics and Marketing from Notre Dame de Namur University, coupled with a Masters in Global Entrepreneurship and Management from the University of San Francisco, Jennifer is fueled by her commitment to empowering people of color especially the Black Community. Through her work in entrepreneurship and real estate, she aims to foster generational wealth in her community, driven by a deep dedication to social and economic equity.

Jennifer Gayden, Director of Operations for the San Francisco African American Arts and Cultural District, is a Bay Area native, born in San Francisco and raised in Oakland. With a BA in Business focusing on Economics and Marketing from Notre Dame de Namur University, coupled with a Masters in Global Entrepreneurship and Management from the University of San Francisco, Jennifer is fueled by her commitment to empowering people of color especially the Black Community. Through her work in entrepreneurship and real estate, she aims to foster generational wealth in her community, driven by a deep dedication to social and economic equity.

Executive Board

Our Executive Board is currently made up of two dedicated leaders, April Spears-Mays and Jennifer Gayden, whose combined passion and expertise steer the SFAAACD’s vision. As community champions and cultural stewards, they guide our strategic direction, foster partnerships, and ensure every program uplifts Bayview Hunters Point’s residents, businesses, and heritage. Their leadership is the foundation that keeps our neighborhood’s rich traditions thriving and growing.

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Board Members

Our Board Members support the Executive Board by bringing a wide range of experiences, including local artists, educators, community organizers, and small business owners. They volunteer their time to help plan events, foster partnerships, manage budgets, and shape programs that reflect the needs and passions of Bayview Hunters Point. Their diverse perspectives and hands on dedication keep our cultural district vibrant, inclusive, and full of life.

contact us

Feel free to contact us anytime about anything in the San Francisco Arts and Culture District.

Business Hub

5172 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94124
Info@sfaaacd.org

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