Entrepreneur, Community Leader, and Advocate for Women in Business

Joyce Allen is a dedicated entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for women in business. She lives and works in North Pacific Beach with her husband, Mark Allen, and their teenage daughter, Aubrey. Their family also includes two beloved dogs and a horse.

As a transplant from the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, Joyce moved to San Diego in 1986 to complete her Bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University, graduating in 1989. In 1996, she founded J.Bird Design, a graphic design firm specializing in creative solutions and brand strategy for small businesses and corporations alike.

As her business grew, Joyce invested in business development and training through the Women’s Business Training Center and the SBA, strengthening her leadership and operational expertise. She discovered a niche supporting contractors in the home service trades—plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical—and became a trusted branding strategist for these companies nationwide. She also led workshops helping business owners build strong brands and expand their markets.

Joyce was awarded a scholarship to the Anderson School of Entrepreneurial Studies at UCLA, where she completed advanced entrepreneurial studies.

In 2017, Joyce and her husband combined their talents to launch Air Pros, Inc., delivering high-quality, fairly priced heating and air conditioning services and installations to residential and commercial clients throughout San Diego County.

A trailblazer in leadership, Joyce became the first Black woman to serve as President of the San Diego Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) in 2003. She has been an active member of Jack and Jill of America, San Diego Chapter since 2013, serving in multiple leadership roles including Recording Secretary, Historian, and Technology Chair. She is also a founding member of the San Diego Chapter of The Girl Friends®, Inc., and served for many years as a dedicated Girl Scout leader.

Her professional excellence and community impact have earned her numerous honors, including:

• Minority Female Business Owner of the Year – Greater San Diego Business Development Council (NMSDC)

• Member of the Year – National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)

• Recognition by Breakfast for MiLady

• Woman of Distinction – Women, Inc.

Beyond her professional and community commitments, Joyce finds joy outdoors—exploring San Diego County’s scenic trails on horseback, gardening, walking her dogs, and enjoying local beaches and parks. She also expresses her creativity through cooking, photography, drawing, painting, and dancing.