I’m a second-generation American raised behind the counter of her parent’s Thai restaurant. Food, identity, and community have always been interconnected for me. I believe thriving small businesses make up vibrant communities, which is why I started Akitso as a way to champion them. The heart of this dream job is centered on lowering institutional barriers for underserved entrepreneurs in an industry that serves us all.
About Anna K Sotto
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My grandmother moved to San Francisco on her own in her fifties and created a pathway for her 3 adult children to immigrate here. After a few years of working, my parents opened a Thai restaurant. My sisters and I (all 9 years apart in age) grew up very immersed in the Thai community. I recently had a daughter, and she is named after my grandma, the MVP 🙂
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I went studied Graphic Design and dedicated 10 years across different companies and positions related to it. I love how GD brought me to meet so many different people I wouldn’t naturally cross paths with and dip a toe into so many different industries and subject matters. I could go on about it, but I’ll stop there.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
We all deserve access to work, rest and play. Life is short, do what you can to make that possible for everyone including yourself.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Akitso’s collaboration with businesses and communities results in more and more equitable representation of restaurants featured on “Best Places to Eat in San Diego” type-lists. I want to see less marginalization on these types of lists, and I hope to use Akitso as an effective way to rally that change.
Anna K Sotto & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I’m really into sushi, and have consistently been a Sushi Ota fan. Loving shout outs to Pho Cow Cali Express, Chon Ju Jip for Korean food, and Addis Ethiopian Restaurant!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My husband was born and raised here, but I moved here in 2016. Thank you SD for the warm welcome.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Donovan Chu, First Baby Born at Sharp Chula Vista
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
San Diego welcomes more refugees than any other California county
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I’m grabbing a bottle of wine from Clos. Alicia Keys is bringing sandwiches. And we are eating it at Mission Beach.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
In retrospect, these are a bit weird…but Edward Scissorhands, Fifth Element, Big Trouble in Little China, Harry Potter Goblet of Fire, She’s The Man
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I grew up being really really really self-conscious about how rough my hands were
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Drinking natural wine with friends preferably outside. Eating a sandwich at the destination of an epic hike.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I won’t lie Madi Murphy really hypes me up
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
There are so many. Asian Business Association of San Diego, San Diego Food System Alliance, City Heights CDC, Viet Voices, Community-Centric Fundraising San Diego, Young Black & N’ Business, ArtReach to name the ones that really helped Akitso get on its feet.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
When “why me?” is feeling hard to answer, ask yourself…”why not me?” – which has been enough to get me started
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
College East!
What I love about my Neighborhood:
It’s out of the hustle and bustle of the city, but still only 15-20 mins away from everything. AND it’s less than an hour away from beautiful camping at Mount Laguna. Also…breakfast burritos on the weekends at Scrimshaw Coffee.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Home is where you feel safe to be completely who you are and who you want to be
