Reflections from Soul Trak 2026 Leaders – January 2026

We’re excited to spotlight the contributions of our 2026 Environmental Leadership Fellows: Catrya, Glenn, Asia, and Mya — 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.

This month, we are excited to share reflections from our Soul Trak Leaders, Environmental Leadership Fellows, and College Ambassadors Cohort, who are offering fresh insights from their first months with Soul Trak Outdoors. Below, our Fellows list key lessons learned and observations from January’s programs, including our Leaders Retreat, Bouldering Night, Warm Hearts Clean Parks MLK Day of Service, and Top Rope Climbing.

We’re excited to continue amplifying their voices as the year unfolds!

January Top Rope Climbing Reflection

Mya Love | 2026 College Ambassador | Howard University Student

“I would say for me, it was a great new experience to try, as I haven’t ever been exposed to climbing sports before. But I can tell it’s comprised of a warm and welcoming community and I would definitely do more in the future, and they have those nights every month. I’ll be back for sure.” – Soleil, Sophomore at Howard University

Leaders Retreat Reflection

Catrya Young | 2026 Environmental Leaders Fellow

I arrived at Legacy Hilltop on a cold January morning and was promptly greeted by board
secretary Taylor James, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the weekend ahead. As the rest
of my cohort gathered, our introductions were reserved yet friendly, marked by quiet curiosity
and openness. What truly broke the ice was Colby’s (Soul Trak Outdoors Operations Manager) reflective prompt, inviting us to recall a moment when we experienced the joy of being outdoors and place ourselves on an imagined map of the United States.

As we positioned ourselves across the East, South, Midwest, and West Coast, many of us
shared stories of beginnings—learning new skills, traveling to new places, or experiencing
internal shifts we had never felt before. These reflections revealed how deeply nature has
shaped our individual journeys.

Interim Executive Director Chris Brown joined us remotely and expanded our understanding of
funding structures, impact storytelling, and the interconnected roles we each serve within the
organization. Christian Cumber led a powerful session on documenting stories, emphasizing the
importance of preserving lived experiences with care and intention.

One of the most memorable moments was a roleplay exercise led by Junko, ourProgram
Coordinator. Without knowing what conflicts or concerns might arise, we practiced responding
with the Soul Trak approach—prioritizing positive experiences over control. At the close of the
weekend, we crafted responses to the question we are most often asked: What is Soul Trak,
and what do you do? One of my favorite drafts was, “Soul Trak creates leaders in the outdoors
by equipping underrepresented communities with skill training, resources, and a welcoming
community to learn and grow in recreation and stewardship of the outdoors.” Sharing these
purpose statements affirmed our collective commitment to lead with clarity, compassion, and
intention.

Overall the weekend reminded me that all leaders begin as learners, and that guiding others
requires compassion, affirmation, and care. The orientation grounded me in purpose,
community, and a shared commitment to lead with integrity.

Reflections On My First Month As An Environmental Fellow

Glenn Hall | 2026 Environmental Leaders Fellows

Hello everyone, my name is Glenn Hall, and I am one of this year’s Environmental
Fellows for Soul Trak Outdoors! I am a 3rd-generation Washingtonian who works in
environmental justice and farming, and am truly honored to be a part of this program. For
January, going through orientation was really fun as we got to learn more about Soul Trak’s
mission, got to know each other, and learn how we as fellows and ambassadors play a major role
in furthering that mission. We also got the chance to participate in our first two events,
Bouldering Night and the MLK clean up day. This was my first Bouldering Night, so I didn’t
really know what to expect, but by the end of our session, I had so much fun and got in a great
workout that I surely felt it the next morning. Then, to finish off our orientation week, we did the
cleanup Warm Hearts, Clean Parks in Marvin Gaye Park, and it was truly heartwarming (pun
intended) to see so many people come out in the cold for a day of service in honor of Dr. King’s
Legacy. Overall, seeing the community that’s built through the various programs and events Soul

Trak puts together is truly empowering, and I look forward to all the other work we will get to do
this year with Soul Trak and to sharing my experience with you!

January Top Rope Climbing

Mya Love | 2026 College Ambassador | Howard University Student