MEET OUR TEAM
What can
we do for you
Brandi M. Cottrell
Founder & CEO
Brandi is the visionary behind SOILK, blending decades of corporate success with a passion for community impact. A psychology graduate of San Diego State University, she built a high-performing career at Autotrader.com where she rose to be the top Account Executive in the Western Region. She later launched a national coaching and consulting practice, becoming one of the most sought-after consultants in her field.
After building multiple businesses—including a 1,300-acre ranch operation—Brandi trained in advanced leadership through Landmark Education and developed the frameworks that power SOILK today. Her corporate acumen and purpose-driven leadership have positioned SOILK as a strategic partner for companies seeking measurable employee engagement and CSR impact.
Fabio Anifrani
Board Member
With more than 20 years of leadership experience in healthcare, Fabio serves as both a Registered Nurse and Executive Director. His career has been dedicated to building sustainable systems of equity, access, and empowerment. Fabio brings a results-driven, inclusive leadership style to SOILK’s board, helping shape strategies that align volunteerism with measurable business outcomes and long-term community impact.
Elias Chavando
Business Development
Elias is a business strategist and entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience helping organizations grow through digital transformation and scalable marketing strategies. A pioneer in eCommerce and digital innovation, he has launched and advised multiple ventures while guiding companies through growth and modernization.
As SOILK’s Business Development advisor, Elias leverages his expertise in strategy, marketing, and operational scaling to expand partnerships with corporations. His role focuses on positioning SOILK as the go-to partner for companies seeking measurable CSR outcomes, stronger employee engagement, and enhanced brand reputation.
Lisa Denbo
Director of Operations
Lisa brings a strong background in healthcare operations, patient advocacy, and financial assistance management to SOILK. Her 10-year tenure at a Catholic hospital honed her ability to solve complex problems and deliver compassionate solutions at scale. At SOILK, Lisa oversees development efforts, connecting corporate partners to programs that deliver measurable value and social impact.
Her professional rigor, combined with a natural gift for building relationships, makes her instrumental in advancing SOILK’s strategic growth with companies across industries.
Kat Freeman
Director of Operations
With over 27 years in the medical field, Kat currently serves as a Lab Director and is completing her Master’s in Healthcare Administration. For the past decade, she has led and participated in diverse volunteer initiatives focused on children, women, and the elderly. From providing haircuts at shelters to preparing meals for seniors, Kat embodies the spirit of service that defines SOILK. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: everyone needs help at some point, and true community is built when we give our time and care to others.
Michele Petersen
VP of Finance
Michele brings over 30 years of leadership and operations management to SOILK. As Retail Demonstration Manager at Sam’s Club, she developed national procedures and oversaw teams of 35+, ensuring operational excellence at scale. With certifications in accounting, business administration, and food/health compliance, she has built and led multiple departments across industries.
At SOILK, Michele applies her organizational expertise to manage large-scale volunteer initiatives with precision and professionalism—ensuring flawless delivery for corporate clients.
Steve Roake
COO & Chief Technology Officer
Steve is a top-performing Realtor, entrepreneur, and business strategist with extensive experience in real estate, economics, and education. Ranked in the top 5% of producers in his region, Steve brings business development, leadership training, and problem-solving expertise to every role he undertakes.
At SOILK, Steve oversees technology and infrastructure, ensuring that corporate partners benefit from seamless program execution, scalable tools, and data-driven reporting. His business acumen and leadership background add depth and agility to SOILK’s operations.
Adriana Salazar
Director of Operations
Adriana is a seasoned educator and program leader with more than 25 years in education, community building, and event planning. She has designed and executed initiatives that bring families and communities together, from toy drives to autism-support events.
At SOILK, Adriana develops and manages corporate volunteer programs that empower employees to step into leadership roles, strengthen connections, and create scalable community impact. Her expertise in organization and detail-driven execution ensures that every initiative runs with excellence.
Laurel Schmidtknecht
Director of Operations
Laurel leads SOILK’s volunteer engagement programs with a unique blend of entrepreneurial drive and deep empathy. A Licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician, she is also a small business owner focused on wellness and preventive care. At SOILK, she channels her personal journey into building volunteer programs that not only create meaningful community impact but also foster healing, resilience, and employee engagement inside corporations.
La Shawn Thompson
Director of Operations
La Shawn Thompson is an entrepreneur, certified life coach, and dedicated advocate for holistic personal development. With over 25 years of professional experience, she began her career as a salon owner and later became an alumna of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.
Throughout her journey, La Shawn has fused her passion for beauty, mindset work, and wellness into a coaching practice that helps clients unlock their fullest potential. She guides individuals to align their health, self-care, and mental frameworks in service of manifesting their dreams.
In addition to her professional endeavors, La Shawn is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She volunteers her time and resources to uplift underserved populations and support initiatives that promote equity, healing, and empowerment.
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