Menu Close

ABOUT SOCIAL CAPITAL BUILDERS

Who We Are

Social Capital Builders, Inc. (SCB) is animpact driven social enterprise that builds systems to help people access opportunity through connection. We do not offer standalone trainings or one-time experiences. We provide a structured approach that helps organizations consistently guide individuals to identify, build, and maintain connections to the people, organizations, and institutions that shape their futures. Our work is grounded in a simple reality: opportunities appear based on the quality of connections.

REACH US

Why Social Capital Builders?

 Most workforce, education, and justice systems are designed to build skills, not access.

As a result, individuals complete programs with certifications, training, and motivation, but without the connections needed to move forward. The outcome is predictable. Strong effort, limited opportunity.

At the same time, organizations are surrounded by employers, partners, alumni, and stakeholders, but lack a structured way to activate those connections for the people they serve.

This is the gap.

Social Capital Builders exists to close it.

We help organizations move from hoping connections happen to building systems that make them happen.

How We Work: The Opportunity Navigation System

Our Opportunity Navigation System is a structured, data-informed approach that helps organizations turn connection-building into a consistent, measurable practice.

This is not about meeting more people. It is about strengthening access to the right people.

The system focuses on three core actions:

Identify

Participants map their current connections and uncover access to individuals, organizations, and institutions that can influence their goals.

Build

Participants learn and apply practical strategies to strengthen and expand those connections in intentional ways.

Maintain

Participants use structured tools and ongoing support to stay connected over time, turning short-term interactions into long-term access.

What Makes Us Different

 We do not rely on motivation alone. We build systems that drive behavior.

Our model integrates:

  • Structured connection-building tools
  • Ongoing staff guidance and support
  • Measurable tracking of connection strength and access
  • Real-time application, not theory

This ensures that connection-building is not left to chance, personality, or one-off events.

Our Focus

 We work with workforce programs, education systems, justice organizations, and community-based initiatives that are ready to strengthen outcomes.

Our focus is simple:
 Help people move from being trained to being connected.
 Help organizations move from delivering services to unlocking opportunity.

EDWARD DEJESUS

Founder and CEO

​DeJesus is a leading expert on social capital in the United States. For more than 30 years, he has mixed his love for policy, research, and practice by conducting research on effective programs that improve the economic mobility of low-income youth and adults. He has been a consultant to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the U.S. Dept. of Labor, the Office of Job Corps, YouthBuild USA, the National Guard Challenge Program, the National Education Association, and the AARP. 

CHARLES DOSTSON

Director – Violence Prevention and Juvenile Justice Programs
Charles is a seasoned mentoring program director. For the past 15 years, Charles has managed large-scale mentoring programs for youth and adults. Charles combines his expertise as a former MST therapist and program manager to provide organizations with the training and support to increase client and community impact. For the past decade, Charles has specialized in building Credible Messenger mentoring initiatives for various youth justice systems and nonprofit organizations.

Jaracus Copes

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)
Dr. Jaracus Copes is an internationally respected educational leader and serves as an expert trainer with Social Capital Builders. He has led high-impact programs and consulting engagements for global organizations and is widely recognized for transforming innovative ideas into scalable, results-driven initiatives.
He holds advanced degrees from Johns Hopkins University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Eastern University, along with a doctorate from Delaware State University. Dr. Copes brings deep expertise in leadership development, program design, and workforce pathways. His work focuses on equipping professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders with the social capital, strategic networks, and practical skills needed for sustained success.

Dr. Cera Doering

Director of Training

Dr. Cera Doering is an accomplished education leader with over 20 years of experience as a teacher, instructional specialist, principal, and human resources director. She holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Equity-Centered Leadership and Innovative Change from Marymount University, where her research focuses on transforming educational systems through sustainable social capital leadership and innovation.

Dr. Doering also holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Management from the University of Baltimore and an advanced certification in school administration from Towson University. Her expertise spans instructional excellence, talent development, and system-wide school improvement. Through her work, Dr. Doering is a trusted voice in advancing educational equity, building effective leadership pipelines, and improving student outcomes across diverse school systems.

Cleveland Smith

Director – Entrepreneur and Economic Development Programs.
Cleveland is a former corporate executive who now leads SCB’s efforts to improve to social capital literacy of adult entrepreneurs and the effectiveness of economic development efforts targeting these individuals and similar groups.

Demetria Williams

Director Adult Virtual Courses
Demetria is an experienced Training Manager / Instructional Designer with years of creating training materials for various adult learners. Her expertise centers on developing materials for Instructor-Led, Web-Based, and Modularized On-the-Job Training. Demetria has her Masters in Public health from Baylor University.

Davone Freeman

Program Manager

Davone Freeman is the Media and Program Manager at SCB, a role in which he expertly handles a diverse range of media responsibilities. From orchestrating online course materials to capturing live events and managing dynamic social media content, Davone’s expertise is pivotal in enhancing SCB’s digital presence. His responsibilities also extend to managing key programs such as the Cash Club, Social Capital Smart courses, and various justice initiatives, showcasing his versatility and commitment to SCB’s mission. As an SCES Specialist, Davone brings a multifaceted skill set as a Videographer and Editor. With over 10 years of experience in writing, editing, and researching a broad range of content, his ability to craft compelling narratives is unparalleled. Davone’s multifaceted expertise makes him an invaluable asset to the SCB team.

ADAM DOUGLAS

Chief Technology Officer
Adam Douglass is an experienced leader in software and technology, having spent the past 18 years working with small technology companies and startups on their product As the former Senior Vice President of SOCIAL SOLUTIONS, Adam led a team of 4 software engineers creating add-ons and integrating ETO Software (a case management system for human service work) with government systems and databases. Adam formed new business unit charged with software integrations/implementations for large enterprises and public sector clients.

SARA KINGSLEY

Director of Research and Evaluation
Sara Kingsley is a Ph.D. Researcher at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science. ​She is an expert in designing methods to investigate social media platforms and online labor markets for unlawful and discriminatory practices, having researched Facebook, Google, Twitter, and YouTube. Along these lines, her dissertation work focuses on studying how the design of algorithms and digital platforms impacts how marginalized groups and low-income job seekers find economic opportunities.

KIM DOHNER

Director of Instruction
Kim Dohner is SCB’s Director of Instruction and Research. She has a Teaching Credential and a Masters in Anthropology from California State University, Long Beach. A first-generation college student trained in cross-cultural communication, restorative justice, and mixed methodology research, Kim brings valuable skills and perspective to the work of social capital development for disconnected youth. ​Kim served for 3 years as a Master Teacher, where she trained new teachers and created district-wide literacy and study skills curricula. She has developed and led numerous teacher and facilitator training workshops.

NATHAN GARCIA

Product Manager
Nathan manages all SCB tech assets, including MyOH and KYN. Nathan has over 15 years of experience in the private sector, specializing in marketing, financing, and data analytics. As a Virginia Tech graduate, Nathan brings his passion for all things data to SCB. Nathan engages organizations in a detailed impact analysis of our solutions on performance, outcomes, and effectiveness. Nathan is in the process of working on an exciting new project scheduled to roll out of SCB in March of 2023. The first social capital DEI technical assistance initiative targeting corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions.