Our Board Members
Bahni Turpin
Bahni is SoLA’s founder and original visionary. She is an accomplished actress, award winning audiobook narrator, and yoga teacher. Bahni’s move to South LA in 2010 brought on her quest for better food accessibility for South LA, and her vision of a natural foods co-op in Leimert Park.The vision includes health education, job opportunities, shared economic benefits and organic foods, leading to a revitalized South LA.
Without prior experience in such a major endeavor as opening a cooperative health food store, Bahni’s inspiration, courage and research have lead SoLA this far. She is dedicated and committed to seeing the SoLA vision bear fruit.
Sondrina Bullitt
As a public health professional and holistic health care provider, I am committed to serving my community in a manner that promotes health and life. As a founding board member of SoLA Food Co-op, I intend to continue sharing my ideas, organizational skills, and teamwork talents to help bring the vision of a healthy organic food oasis into fruition. We have grown as a board and as an organization, and I am excited to help SoLA move into its next phase of development.
Les Knoll
Les Koll is a C-level executive, consultant and change agent with a significant track record of helping companies grow through his expertise in marketing and business development. With experience in consumer and professional health care, fitness, weight loss, and wellness markets, he has proven his ability to pinpoint and prioritize opportunities that yield the greatest return. Les has been a longtime SoLA supporter and is excited to lend a hand.
Pagan George
I have been in the field of Health and Wellness for close to 30 years. I teach Yoga, Qi Gong, and various forms of energetic modalities. I have a vast knowledge of nutrition and am a Vegan Foodie. I have a history of community action having worked for the Neighborhood Stabilization project in New York, creating events centered around health, healing and of course Fun! I’ve been with SoLA since its inception as the “Minister of Mirth,” heading up the Events Committee–fundraising events, workshops, pop-ups and merriment.
Mychal Turpin
One of our newest board members and South LA residents, Mychal was driven to make an impact after seeing the abundance of fast food restaurants in the community and lack of healthy options. With over 12 years of Digital Marketing experience working at high growth startups and agencies, he is excited to led his expertise to SoLA. He is currently leading the communications committee to increase awareness and conversation with existing and potential owners.
Shannita Williams
I’ve watched the co-op grow from a handful of members to being within reach of our first major milestone of 300 member/owners. My professional background is in digital media, social media, PR and marketing. As a member of SoLA’s Board of Directors, I get the unique opportunity to work alongside a dynamic group of people from diverse backgrounds all united behind one thing – bringing a healthy food hub to South LA. As a board member, I will to work on SoLA’s behalf, amplify the organization’s message to our community and beyond, and do my part make SOLA Food Co-op an integral part of South Los Angeles. And as our membership continues to grow, it’s clear that the vision is well on the way to becoming a reality.