Board of Directors

Rajesh Patel, Ph.D. holds a Ph.D. from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, California. He has lead numerous research projects as a consultant and manager within the pharmaceutical industry in companies such as Advanced Polymer Systems, InSite Vision, Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Cardiomind, and Vascular Architects. Dr. Patel has also founded various companies across multiple sectors which he plays an active role on the Board of Directors for TheraSys, Inc., U.S. Trade Connection, Inc., Parenteral Drugs, Ltd., MalawiNet Ltd., and Global MedData, Inc. He played an active role in the development of Stop Aids Worldwide and is one of the founders of Under The Baobab Tree, Inc., a nonprofit organization founded to promote education in Africa.

Yo Yoshida has had the privilege of traveling extensively throughout his life and has lived in a number of developed and developing nations. His experiences gave him early insight into the social, economic and political disparities that plague our communities. He is passionate about fighting against injustices (human, animal and environmental) and is honored to assist in the founding of Under The Baobab Tree, Inc. Yo brings a colorful background of work experience in multiple industries: from the HR department of the world’s then 2nd largest privately held corporation, to marketing roles for the World Cup and Atlantic Records, to Operations Director for a mid-sized asset management firm, he is now a founding partner of a boutique marketing firm. Each role has presented new challenges and given Yo a breadth of leadership, communication and business development skills. Yo is excited to be a part of this worthy and noble organization; Under the Baobab Tree, Inc.

Lisa Bernard is an industry leader in the development of corporate strategic alliances. Her time living abroad has evoked an inspirational desire to facilitate her valuable resources with the worlds need for better education. With her diverse background as a corporate liaison and business development director in the financial, real estate, and tech industries she has amassed an intricate network of industry leaders. Her dynamic portfolio of personal contacts and enthusiasm brings a collective group of like minded individuals together to accomplish any objective. As a volunteer event coordinator for the California Academy of Sciences, Lisa has gained an extensive knowledge of the necessary tools we need to create successful fundraising initiatives which will be backbone to the development and sustainability of Under The Baobab Tree, Inc.

Dr. Paul Batmanis, MD, is a Board Certified Emergency Physician working in 3 hospitals as an emergency room doctor in the Los Angeles area. He currently works at Barlow Respiratory, Valley Presbyterian and Sherman Oaks Hospitals, and has worked at Saint Francis Memorial, Sutter Delta, Wahiawa General, Hilo Medical Center, North Hawaii Community, Kaiser Permanente, and LA County USC General Hospitals to name a few. Dr. Batmanis was honored to be selected as a Citizen Ambassador for Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Foundation, People to People, after becoming a Diplomat of the American Board of Emergency Medicine. He has traveled extensively with People to People spreading good will and professional consulting to developing nations. He recently returned from Rwanda, Egypt and Russia as an emissary for the medical community in the United States. His extensive professional and personal portfolio brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to help build the medical clinic for the students of Malawi

Don Stern is a versatile inventor with over 40 granted patents and a strong start-up experience from Silicon Valley. Mr. Stern is one of the principal designers of numerous international standards that form the foundation of the electronics industry today, including DVD, infrared, and semiconductors. Mr. Stern’s technology career includes major inventions and technology development for Cisco, Amdahl, Novellus Systems, Forte Communications, TVI and others. Currently, Don is the Chief System Architect, CTO, and Co-Founder of Global Mobile Technologies Pte Ltd.

As a founding partner of Taylor & Mrsich, LLP, Mr. Taylor has played a major role in building the firm's reputation as the premier technology law boutiques operating globally today. He specializes in information technology, corporate, and intellectual property law. He has a law degree from New York Law School, a Masters Degree in Economics from Catholic University, and a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association and of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York. Mr. Taylor believes in the work and goals of Under The Baobab Tree and is excited at the potential for growth with our organization.