Board Members
overview
What does the Fresh Start PS board of directors do?
Board Leadership
Board Chair- Ana Perra
CEO of Adonai Counseling
and Employment Inc.
CEO of Adonai Counseling and Employment Inc
Ana Perera is a seasoned consultant with over 30 years of experience in community-based services, and the CEO of Adonai Counseling and Employment Inc. Ana is a recognized leader in reentry, rehabilitation, and workforce development. She brings a rich network of professionals from education, employment support, mental health, and correctional systems. Ana’s credentials include formal training in Micro-Enterprise Development, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Positive Behavior Support Planning, and Reflective Listening. She is a certified Community Protection Trainer of Trainers and an ordained Chaplain through Zion International Seminary, having served as Chaplain for the 20 years to the Puget Sound community.
Board Vice Chair- Kadra Sheikh, MBA
Managing Director of HR Mavens, LLC
Kadra is a Somali American who immigrated to the United States with her family in the early 1990s, seeking refuge from the civil war. As a young child, she quickly adapted to her new environment, learning English and immersing herself in American culture. She began her education in the Northshore School District in Kenmore, Washington, before relocating to Seattle’s Central District to complete her studies.
In 2019, Kadra played a key role in establishing a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women reentering society after incarceration. During her tenure, she served as Program Director, HR Generalist, and Interim Secretary Board Member, playing a pivotal role in building and sustaining the organization alongside its Executive Director until her departure in 2023.
A first-generation college graduate, Kadra earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Seattle University and her MBA from Strayer University. She has built a successful career in talent acquisition, working at major tech companies such as Microsoft and Amazon. At Microsoft, she was part of the Global Talent Acquisition team, recruiting diverse talent for roles in Software Engineering, AI/ML, and Product/Program Management. She currently serves on Amazon’s University Talent Acquisition (AUTA) team, where she focuses on attracting PhD-level candidates in fields such as Machine Learning, Applied Science, Research Science, and Robotics.
Kadra joined the Fresh Start board in January 2024 as Vice Chair. In this role, she is dedicated to strengthening the organization’s infrastructure, broadening its impact, and expanding access to sustainable funding. Her goals include increasing grant acquisition, enhancing operational strategy, and building strong community and philanthropic partnerships. Kadra is especially passionate about dismantling systemic barriers and creating pathways to opportunity for system-impacted individuals. She brings a strong equity lens, a deep understanding of workforce development, and a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in leadership and decision-making.
In her spare time, Kadra enjoys cooking, walking, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.
Secretary- Bruce Hall Jr.
Secretary, Fresh Start Professional Services
Secretary, Fresh Start Professional Services
Bruce Mora Wall Jr. is a dedicated youth support specialist, mentor, and community gun violence intervention specialist. His journey began with a passion for empowering young people to break cycles of poverty and violence. Over the years, He has worked closely with justice-impacted youth and adults, helping them find positive pathways forward through mentorship, education, and creative expression.
Bruce became a member of the board because he truly believes deeply in the power of community-led change. Being part of this team allows him to contribute his lived experience, network, and vision toward creating safe, thriving communities where young people can dream bigger and reach higher
Treasurer (Interim)- Valerie Perine
Finance Manager at Fresh Start Professional Services
Finance Manager at Fresh Start Professional Services
Valerie is the Finance Manager for Fresh Start Professional Services and currently serves as the Interim Treasurer. She also works as an Accountant at Mercer Island High School and is active in the financial services industry as a licensed life insurance agent and real estate investor. Valerie is passionate about helping others build strong financial foundations, whether through smart money management, insurance planning, or property investment. At the heart of her work is a deep commitment to guiding individuals toward their own “fresh start” and a brighter financial future.
Board Advisory- Anna Ripich
Branch Manager, KeyBank | Financial Education Advocate
Branch Manager, KeyBank | Financial Education Advocate
Anna has been personally impacted by the justice system, giving her a deep understanding of the struggles many face—especially the financial challenges of being a mother trying to hold everything together.
She currently serves as a Branch Manager at KeyBank and is passionate about bringing financial education to underserved communities. As an immigrant from Ukraine, Anna had to navigate the U.S. financial system on her own. Her parents worked tirelessly to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads—experiences that shaped her commitment to helping others build stability, especially those starting over or seeking a new path forward.
Outside of work, Anna enjoys spending time with her family and three children. She firmly believes that the struggles God allowed her to endure were not in vain—they prepared her for the work she’s doing today. She’s honored to be part of a mission that brings real hope and lasting change.