Board of Directors
Anna Kittitanaphan SottoA second-generation American raised behind the counter of her parent’s Thai restaurant – food, identity, and community has always been interconnected for Anna. Anna believes that thriving small businesses make up vibrant communities, and started Akitso as her way to champion them. With expertise in branding and design, Anna works with small business owners to “tell deeper stories with food.”
Elise BakerElise has spent a decade working in nonprofit development and fundraising in San Diego, currently serving as Director of Regional Philanthropy at GRID Alternatives, where she leads efforts to advance economic and environmental justice. Her experience includes five years with a Community Development Financial Institution, where she helped bring capital and resources to Southern California small business owners—particularly entrepreneurs of color, women, and immigrants. As Co-Chair of Community Centric Fundraising's San Diego Chapter, Elise is committed to equity-centered approaches that support community-powered solutions
Jenna RyanJenna has spent her career at fast-growing startups, first in tech, later in consumer health. After successfully co-founding & exiting a women's health company, she's turned her focus to investing in and advising other organizations that are impact-oriented. She's passionate about helping Akitso make a difference in the lives and businesses of the entrepreneurs in the vibrant San Diego restaurant scene.
Tori HermanTori is a brand, consumer insights, and interior design strategist focused on how emotion, storytelling, and physical space shape customer connection and loyalty. She brings a customer-centered perspective to how brands show up visually, emotionally, and physically, creating environments that reflect who they serve. She is especially committed to supporting culturally rooted, community-centered food businesses.
Jet BunditwongJet has been a huge advocate of small businesses for a long time. With over a decade of experience helping businesses in multiple ways, he wants to use what he knows to give back to the local community. With a wealth of knowledge acquired over the past years working with different organizations like the Small Business Development Center of San Diego & Imperial Valley and the Asian Business Association, Jet offers his expertise in helping locally owned businesses with strategies and ideas to move forward towards success.