Cal Poly Grad Unites 88 LA Cities for Economic Growth

Jalonda Watson still remembers watching her grandmother walk the streets of Compton in kitten heels, delivering food to families in need. That image shaped everything that came next.

Watson's grandmother, Mary Jean Mathis, believed in filling gaps that larger organizations couldn't reach. She showed Watson that real change happens when people show up for their neighbors, one household at a time.

Today, Watson applies those same principles on a much larger scale. As senior manager of strategic engagement for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, she connects leaders from all 88 cities across LA County to launch initiatives and solve economic challenges together.

Watson started at LAEDC in January 2025 after earning her sociology degree and master's in public administration from Cal Poly Pomona. Her job changes every single day, and that's exactly what she loves about it.

One day she meets with port officials. The next, she sits down with city managers. She helps organize major events like the 88 Cities Summit, where city officials and economic development directors collaborate on solutions, and the Eddy Awards, which honor businesses and organizations driving equitable growth.

Her main goal stays simple: create platforms for partners to connect with leaders who can amplify their regional impact. She asks one question: what impact do you want to have, and how can we help you get there?

Watson didn't always know this path existed. She grew up in the City of Industry, where her parents worked for the U.S. Postal Service and emphasized hard work above all else. She studied business and accounting at Fullerton College, chasing what seemed like a practical career.

But something felt off. She volunteered at community organizations, attended city council meetings, and knocked on doors for local campaigns. She discovered an important truth: your passion and purpose should be on the same paycheck.

That realization led her to Cal Poly Pomona, where professors helped her find her direction. Political Science Professor Brady Collins remembers Watson as intellectually curious and driven, passionate about social and economic justice. She even co-taught a forgiveness and healing course for incarcerated students in Hawaii through the university's Prison Education Project.

The Ripple Effect

Watson's work creates connections that multiply across the region. When she brings together city leaders, nonprofits, and businesses, she's not just organizing meetings. She's building bridges that let resources flow where they're needed most.

Cal Poly Pomona was honored last November as one of six California State Universities recognized for their impact on LA County's economy and communities. Watson's own journey from student to regional connector shows exactly that kind of impact in action.

She found her path by combining her grandmother's grassroots wisdom with the education and opportunities her parents worked so hard to provide. Now she helps entire cities find theirs.