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.
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.
Renate Renee Neikes
Director of Operations
brings a multidisciplinary background in holistic health, education, multicultural community work, and leadership development to her work with SOILK. With decades of experience spanning therapeutic facilitation, program design, and cross-cultural support, she is known for translating complex human and organizational needs into grounded, compassionate solutions. Her formal training in team management and leadership, combined with hands-on experience in multicultural environments, enables her to navigate diverse stakeholder landscapes with clarity and respect. At SOILK, Renee contributes to program delivery and partnership support with a strong focus on wellbeing, resilience, and inclusive social impact. Her calm leadership presence, relational intelligence, and ability to build trust across cultures and teams make her a valued contributor to SOILK’s mission-driven growth.
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.
Cassandra Lemon
Director of Operations
Cassie is an educator, entrepreneur, and community builder dedicated to expanding access, opportunity, and well-being through human-centered work. With a background in college access and student success, she has built systems that empower individuals—especially those navigating systemic barriers—to thrive. As the founder of Let’s Jam, she extends that commitment into the food and wellness space, crafting products that offer comfort, connection, and education around plant-based healing. Her work is rooted in storytelling, culture, and a deep belief in the power of community to transform lives. Each chapter of her journey reflects a lived commitment to Serving Others in Loving Kindness (SOILK), aligning her efforts with a greater mission to uplift, support, and create meaningful pathways of service for others.
Forrest Kingsley
Forrest Kingsley is a volunteering and communications specialist. He has led volunteers across the country from Seattle, to Tacoma, Texas, Philadelphia, and New York. Forrest views volunteering as an access to being connected to your community, and to knowing yourself as someone who makes a difference in the world. He is committed to connecting an ever-expanding group of people through a shared belief; We can accomplish anything, if we work as a team. At SOILK, Forrest focuses on developing new ways to expand SOILK’s impact through expansion, improved volunteer experiences, and local partnerships. His ability to inspire and bring people together ensures that our client's teams are always eager to take on the next challenge.
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