Board of Directors
Natasha Ickes-Saman
Prakash Bhaskaran
Ken Scheible
Dialog window
Prakash Bhaskaran
Danville, CA
Prakash is a seasoned CFO with experience in start-ups, publicly-traded companies and non-profits. As a CFO, he’s successfully participated in taking three tech companies public. In his capacity as CFO and finance committee member, he’s had broad experience working with various boards in several organizations.
He brings a broad perspective to the boardroom, combining deep financial and operational expertise along with strategy and governance expertise. This broad experience enables him to provide meaningful insights that help drive informed decisions. Having worked in diverse industries, including high-tech, manufacturing, governmental entities and non-profits, he’s able to draw on a wide range of experiences which allows him to collaborate effectively with senior management and with fellow board members.
Having had a successful “first half” of his career and having grown up in Oakland CA, he’s developed a strong passion for the non-profit sector. In this “second half,” he wants to use his expertise and skills to help organizations that work with children and families of poorer and underserved communities. Following his heart, he pivoted to the non-profit sector, serving as CFO at a community Charter School in East Oakland and a Counseling Center in San Jose. He continues this passion by serving on the Board at Soul Shoppe.
As a young teenager, Prakash moved with his family from India to the Bay area, where he’s lived since that time. He loves photography, vegetable gardening and taking long walks during sunrise and sunsets. He currently resides with his family in Danville, CA.
Dialog window
Ken Scheible
Bay Area, CA
Ken currently works at encouraging and reminding adults to play, creating opportunities for them to participate in scavenger hunts, game shows and team-building games. Think “summer camp” or “elementary school field days” but for grown-ups — because he believes the world can be a little kinder and more connected if we all remember what it’s like to let our inner child out to play.
Ken has also worked as a diversity workshop leader and facilitator for Challenge Day, a violence prevention program that delivers heartfelt and life-changing programs to middle and high school students across the United States. The program promotes messaging and lessons of inclusion, acceptance and celebration of differences, similar to the Soul Shoppe philosophy but aimed at older students.
Ken has always been committed to giving voice to those who may not know how to speak up for themselves. He not only believes in empowering young people to have the courage to defend themselves and others but in equipping them with the tools to do so. This is why he has been a long time advocate and supporter of the Soul Shoppe mission and vision, since its inception. He’s deeply honored to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
Ken has devoted much of his spare time to volunteering at his daughter’s school on the PTA Board, as well as coaching her volleyball teams, although she has recently surpassed the skill level at which he can meaningfully contribute!
Dialog window
Adam Cortez
Bay Area, CA
With over 15 years of experience in technology and education, Adam brings a wealth of expertise to every project. He’s served on multiple boards, including the Lions Club and various nonprofit organizations. He has a strong family legacy within the California Teachers Association.
Adam is also deeply committed to mentoring the next generation, having guided students at San José State University, San Diego State University and Carnegie Mellon University. Whether it’s through tech innovation or educational outreach, Adam’s passion for community and lifelong learning shines through.
Dialog window
