The Californer - Connect celebrates Cait Kelly and Kylie Hovey as they advance to next chapters

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Highlighting their impact on founders and the innovation ecosystem, Cait Kelly and Kylie Hovey transition from Connect to new roles in entrepreneurship and marketing, continuing to shape San Diego's growing community of innovators.

SAN DIEGO - Californer -- Connect, a nonprofit organization supporting San Diego's innovation ecosystem, announced the departure of team members Cait Kelly and Kylie Hovey, recognizing their contributions to the organization and the region's growing community of founders, innovators and industry leaders.

"At Connect, we're not just building companies. We are also a career lab for our Connect team," said James Zanewicz, CEO of Connect. "Cait and Kylie have each helped shape the way we support entrepreneurs and engage with the broader ecosystem. Their impact is woven into the programs we run and the relationships we've built, and we're proud to see them carry that forward into their next chapters."

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Kelly, who has been with Connect for seven years, is transitioning into entrepreneurship. During her tenure, she played a key role building the programs, relationships, and infrastructure that connected founders, capital, and community. Her work contributed to strengthening Connect's role as a hub for innovation in the region. She will now apply that experience to launching her own company, bringing with her a deep understanding of the founder journey and the needs of emerging startups.

Hovey is advancing her career in marketing and communications and has joined Anderson as a marketing specialist. At Connect, she helped elevate the organization's visibility through strategic storytelling, digital engagement and community outreach. Her efforts supported stronger connections across San Diego's innovation ecosystem, amplifying the voices of entrepreneurs and highlighting the region's momentum in technology and life sciences.

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Connect views its team as part of a broader career pathway, one that extends beyond any single role. Through hands-on experience, mentorship and exposure to a dynamic network of founders, investors and partners, team members develop the skills and perspective needed to grow within the innovation economy.

This philosophy reflects Connect's broader mission: to catalyze innovation by supporting not only companies, but the people behind them. As alumni move into new roles, whether launching ventures, joining high-growth companies or expanding into new disciplines, they continue to contribute to the strength and resilience of the region's ecosystem.

"We're grateful for everything Cait and Kylie have contributed," Zanewicz said. "We look forward to staying connected and seeing the impact they continue to make across San Diego and beyond."

Learn more about Connect and the team at https://connect.org/.