MEET THE TEAM!

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER & FOUNDER

Haley Cardamon's passion for community gathering is the cornerstone of her work. Since 2017, she has been the visionary behind San Jose Day, an annual festival that celebrates the arts & culture of San Jose. Building on this success, Haley launched Spark Community Productions in 2024, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to cultivating community through wellness, arts, and cultural events. As Executive Director and Founder of both organizations, she leverages nearly a decade of experience in community service, event production, and project management to connect people, bring creative and community-oriented ideas to life, creating  meaningful experiences.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jorge “J.Duh” Camacho is a first-generation Nicaragüense artist, illustrator, and muralist, proudly born and raised in San José. A self and community-taught creative, he blends fine art and street art to craft vibrant, witty, and distinctive works. With extensive experience in large-scale murals, signage, apparel design, and curating DIY art shows, Jorge continues to push creative boundaries.

Since 2023, he has served as the Creative Director and Designer of San Jose Day, shaping its visual identity and community impact. He is also a recent graduate of The Academy by Goodby Silverstein & Partners, where he studied advertising, design, and creative direction.

CONTENT DIRECTOR & DOCUMENTARIAN

Alex is a visual artist (photo / video), art director, and full-time creative based in San José, CA. With over a decade of freelance experience, he’s learned how to expertly capture honest moments by working alongside small businesses, non-profits, local organizations, and the artist community. 

Founding Board Member, Spark Community Production

Ellina is a Cambodian American multidisciplinary social practice artist, filmmaker, journalist, and entrepreneur. They work at the intersection of art, technology, and lawmaking to create and explore new forms of civic participation. Through podcasting, in depth oral history research, and multiple artistic mediums Ellina threads together art and technology to democratize the process of lawmaking and re-imagine the way we practice democracy at a local level. Most recently, Ellina is a Pulitzer Center AI Program Alumni, exploring AI use in government and civic engagement.

Ellina has served as a Knight Emerging City Champion, Multicultural Arts Leader, New Leaders Council fellow, and City Commissioner. She has presented her work to members of Congress, federal agencies, several organizations and various city and state agencies and commissions. Her work has been featured in the San José Mercury News, NBC Bay Area, San José Spotlight, Spartan Daily, Content Magazine and other news outlets.

Development & Event Operations Manager

Deanna C. Sisneros is a Latina and passionate advocate for San Jose, dedicating her professional and personal life to enriching the community. In her role as a freelance Creative Producer and in her full time work as the Special Events and Community Outreach Manager at Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, she leads initiatives that engage donors and community members, exemplifying her commitment to service and connection.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Deanna actively contributes to the cultural vibrancy of San Jose. She serves on the board of Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose, a nonprofit organization focused on revitalizing St. James Park through free, high-quality live music performances. In her spare time, Deanna enjoys the outdoors and has a deep appreciation for the arts. Her multifaceted involvement underscores a profound dedication to fostering a vibrant and united San Jose.

Marketing Manager

Zareen is a first-generation Afghan American, born and raised in the Bay Area, with over a decade of experience in event marketing, brand activations, and retail. She specializes in bringing programs from 0 to 1—turning ideas into fully executed experiences. Having worked across tech startups, fitness, and the entertainment industry, she thrives on creating experiences that foster connection and build community.

With a strong background in project management, marketing campaigns, and cross-functional collaboration, she brings visions to life with precision and impact. At her core, she loves to create—whether it’s an unforgettable brand experience, a perfectly curated playlist, or a fresh new way to get things done.

VENDOR COORDINATOR

Brandon "BQ" Quintanilla is a first-generation Nicaraguan-American, born and raised in South San Jose, CA. A creative entrepreneur at heart, he has a deep passion for producing events of all kinds, including Culture Night Market, Feast Mode Foodie Series, car shows, music events, and sports tournaments.

His entrepreneurial journey began at 19, selling urban fashion at the Capitol Flea Market before transitioning into phone sales and eventually software sales in the tech space. Today, he runs a social impact agency full-time, specializing in event production and media marketing for high-profile clients such as PayPal, Topo Chico, the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County, and the SJ Earthquakes, as well as local nonprofits and community organizations.

Brandon values authenticity, staying rooted in culture, and balancing creativity with a results-driven mindset to thrive in the competitive landscape of Silicon Valley.