OUR TEAM

Nikki Silvestri is, first and foremost, a mother of two, wife, and sci-fi nerd. She’s also a pioneering voice in leadership development, organizational transformation, and social innovation. As the Founder and CEO of Soil and Shadow, she leads a strategy lab that designs regenerative leadership models for an increasingly destabilized world.

With a career spanning executive leadership, policy innovation, and systems change, Nikki has served as the Executive Director of multiple organizations, including People’s Grocery and Green for All, before founding Soil and Shadow. Nikki has shaped strategy as a trusted advisor to executives, government agencies, and global non-profits while also working on the ground with grassroots organizations and purpose-driven businesses. Her work integrates ecological wisdom with executive strategy, helping institutions build resilience, adaptability, and equity into their leadership structures.

An internationally recognized keynote speaker, Nikki has graced dozens of stages, delivering over 50 keynotes worldwide on the intersection of climate, economy, and social impact. Named one of The Root’s 100 Most Influential African Americans, Nikki is the recipient of numerous accolades, including ELLE Magazine’s Gold Award and OxFam America’s Act Local, Think Global Award. Her previous board seats include Food First, Greenpeace USA, and Common Future.

Vonda Vaden Bates is an alliance builder and leadership coach. For over 30 years Vonda has guided professionals to succeed on behalf of their organizations and careers. She helps people move from potential to action, set and reach goals, manage engaged teams, and communicate with influence. Her creative approach has influenced major market shifts in television, retail, banking, technology, and education..

In 2013 Vonda decided to contribute her skills on behalf of safety in health care after researching how her husband, Yogiraj Charles Bates, died from one of the most common preventable causes of death, hospital-associated venous thromboembolism. Advocating for every person in the care system, Vonda brings a compassionate voice, strategic skills, and collaboration expertise to improve communication and safety in health care.

She is the CEO of 10th Dot®, a company founded by her late husband, which coaches and trains individuals, teams, and organizations to identify hidden potential, tap the benefits of differentiation, and bring ideas to life.

Zee Xaymaca, M.A., is dedicated to social and economic equity for, Queer, and Trans Black and Indigenous persons and People of Color. They hold a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in International Relations and Global Governance with a research focus on international human rights issues and mechanisms. For over 5 years’ they have worked with the Best Practices Policy Project, a US based sex workers rights organization, working locally and internationally as an intersectional sex workers rights researcher, and educator in grassroots organizing spaces. Their work includes research and political engagement with formal institutions such as the United Nations, The International AIDS society, and state legislators on environmental justice, labor rights, criminal justice, and other interconnected issues Black sex workers face. Their work emphasizes Black liberation as a tool for universal empowerment, particularly for Black femmes who fight white supremacy with their very existence. Zee’s work is based in Black Feminist theory’s critique of the narratives of truth, propriety, and morality that white supremacy has imposed.

Joann Lee Wagner is a seasoned HR executive and coach with over 20 years of experience in creating transformative workplaces. As the VP of People Operations at Common Future, a national nonprofit focused on closing the racial wealth gap, Joann has led substantial organizational change, including workplace transformations to increase diversity, pioneer innovative policies such as a four-day workweek, providing 100% pay for 80% time, a $500 monthly caregiver stipend, and transparent and equitable hiring and compensation practices. Her work emphasizes investments in people to achieve results that last. Her work has earned recognition in major publications like the San Francisco Chronicle and Chronicles of Philanthropy. Joann holds degrees from UC San Diego and Harvard University and is a certified Executive and Team Coach.

Soil and Shadow partners with The Boutique COO for many of our operational needs. Heather Rohnert serves as our Operations Manager. With over a decade of experience in the corporate world and as an entrepreneur, she has worked with companies nationwide to implement apprenticeship programs, bridging both administrative systems and long-term client relationships.

Heather is also a calligrapher, artist, and community builder who believes in the beauty of words and the power of storytelling. Her work blends heart-fueled artistry with a commitment to creating meaningful connections and making the world a more beautiful place. Based in Idaho, she spends her free time exploring nature, discovering her city, and getting lost in good books.

Galen Silvestri is a facilitator, educator, and media producer. As the Co-Founder and former Executive Director of United Roots—Oakland’s first “green” youth center launched in partnership with Black Eyed Peas and Adobe—he pioneered innovative approaches to workforce development, media production, and entrepreneurship for emerging leaders. United Roots was a community hub for incubating innovative programming and organizations such as Hack the Hood, Gameheads, Determination Black Men’s Group, UR Media and more.

With decades of experience developing organizations, educational programs, and creative business projects, Galen has worked with organizations such as Men’s Story Project and the Y-Step Collective to advance racial equity and social justice. He co-founded Youth Impact Hub, a co-working and incubation space for young social entrepreneurs, as well as Turf Unity Music Program and Art in Action, initiatives that harness the power of art and music for community transformation.

As a consultant, Galen helps businesses, nonprofits, and creative teams design and implement values-driven initiatives and media projects. Whether through filmmaking, graphic design, or music production, he supports organizations and businesses in amplifying their message and strengthening their community impact. And as a facilitator, he offers training and educational programs for leadership development and team building.

As Soil & Shadow’s Chief Operations Officer, Galen designs and implements operational strategies that drive business growth and resilience. He oversees financial planning, budgeting, and resource management to ensure long-term sustainability. With a focus on efficiency and impact, he streamlines internal processes to enhance project execution. Galen cultivates an inclusive and collaborative team culture, prioritizing leadership development and company cohesion. He also optimizes partnerships, contracts, and infrastructure to align with mission-driven goals and values.