Reflections from Soul Trak 2025 Environmental Leaders Fellows – September 2025

We’re excited to spotlight the contributions of our 2025 Environmental Leadership Fellows: Dede, Ayanna, and Jahmal; each of whom has brought care, creativity, and commitment to our work this season. From event support to community engagement, their leadership has helped bring our mission to life in meaningful ways.

Read below on their reflections from this month’s programming:

Don’t Wait for a Plus-One: The Surprising Benefits of Attending Soul Trak Events Solo

Captured by Jahmal Clemons, Soul Trak Fellow

A hard-earned moment from Whitney’s paddling experience on the Anacostia

“I dropped this event in my friend group chat,” Whitney said, “but I am the only one who showed.”

We were standing on the dock of the Anacostia Community Boathouse on a late summer afternoon, waiting in line for our kayaks with a group of about 15 other participants. Some folks commented that they had never kayaked before, and others had kayaked, but didn’t know that rentals were available right off the Anacostia. 

Whitney and I had met only 20 minutes before. However, I could already feel a kindred spirit. I couldn’t help but nod in deep recognition because I had had the same experience multiple times, sharing events I thought were interesting with my normally excited ground, only to be met with weak excuses.

Whitney, a novice in kayaking, surprised us all with her quick learning. We began in the safe area next to the dock, just in case we needed a quick rescue. But soon, we were navigating towards the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, the sun casting a golden glow on the water, to capture the perfect IG photo, laughing all the way. The water was calm, the breeze was gentle, and the view was breathtaking. It was a perfect moment of serenity and adventure.

“We gotta get a photo that is going to make the chat jealous,” I said. “So they’ll know they missed out.”

One of the best things about Soul Trak events is that you are sure to have a unique experience trying an outdoor activity that you may not have a chance to experience regularly. While it’s nice when you can coordinate your crew to join you, the reality is that it doesn’t always work out that way. Even if others bail, it’s important not to bail on yourself. Here are four reasons why it’s ok to attend events solo. You can enjoy your freedom, get a confidence boost, meet new people, and practice social skills. Let’s delve into each of these reasons.

1. You Can Enjoy Your Freedom

As much as we love our friends and family, we know that everyone has different rhythms, timing, and energy levels. When you attend a Soul Trak event solo, the only person you have to manage is yourself. How refreshing and rare that is! This opportunity is a chance to push your boundaries in a safe and controlled way, free from the ways we often present ourselves to others.   

2. Get a Confidence Boost

It takes nerve to step out of one’s comfort zone. It’s totally normal to feel intimidated, uncertain, or frustrated. If you can experience those emotions and still participate, then you are building confidence, self-reliance, and resilience. Going solo is a workout for your mental health! 

3.  Meet New People

After Whitney and I started paddling away from the shore, we met a group of other participants, who, like us, were also attending solo. We all bonded over our shared situation and found it reassuring to know that we weren’t alone. It can be easier to break the ice and interact with others without the comfort or crutch of familiar people. Before long, we were trading travel stories and comparing places we had lived, as well as things we loved about living in the DMV. We can glean a great deal from simply being open.  

4. Practice Social Skills

One of the biggest blocks stopping us from experiencing life to the fullest is our own expectations. We often enter situations wanting things to be a certain way and to achieve specific outcomes. While some goals are helpful, in social situations, it’s best to go with the flow. Soul Trak events are perfect because they are low-pressure and low-cost ways to connect with life-minded people.

By the end of our kayaking experience, our initial group of two solo participants had grown to five. We started a new group chat and are planning our first meetup as our new crew. We’re thinking of trying out paddleboarding next, and maybe even a camping trip. The possibilities are endless. Not a bad ending to a solo adventure, but just the beginning of a new chapter.

Soul Trak 5k Reflection 

Reflection by Ayanna Lynch, Soul Trak Fellow

Last year when I attended the Soul Trak 5k Fundraiser, Miles for Soul, I had a completely different perspective of Soul Trak where I was curious, but didn’t know much about the programming. It felt like a very full circle moment to be back as an Environmental Fellow now with a deeper connection to and appreciation for the work Soul Trak does. This year, the 5k was held at Meadowbrook Local Park, which gave us the opportunity to explore another one of DC’s outdoor recreational areas. It never ceases to amaze me how integrated the city is with nature, and it’s always so exciting to discover a new favorite spot. Before and after the 5k I led the stretching session, and I really enjoyed being part of the moment with everyone who participated, and soaking up the positive energy. After the 5k, we gathered around for the donated, raffled prizes, which felt like sitting around the Christmas tree with family, after a year of meeting and getting to know so many people in the Soul Trak community. The 5k felt like a celebration of the impact and progress that the organization has made over this year. As always, the event was filled with warmth, positivity, and a sense of community that left me feeling invigorated and inspired.

September Top Rope Climbing Meet-up

Captured by Dede Lawal