We are thrilled to introduce the addition of five new Soul Trak Executive Board members!
This year’s board members bring a wealth of experience in leadership, outdoor advocacy, and community empowerment. Their dedication to fostering inclusivity in outdoor spaces will help guide Soul Trak’s mission over the next year! Please join us in welcoming Sebastian Byers, Ayia Linquist, Nicol Hodges, Edward Sanders, and Tyrah Cobb-Davis to the Executive Board! We are excited to see their vision and leadership in action as they help shape the future of Soul Trak.
Sebastian Byers
Sebastian Byers is a mission-driven leader with extensive experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and organizational strategy. Sebastian has extensive experience in the philanthropic sector and with grantmaking and grantee relations. He is passionate about advancing equity and opportunity and securing critical funding to drive sustainable growth for nonprofits.
As the co-founder of Red Bird Partners LLC, Sebastian consults with nonprofits to enhance their fundraising strategies, aligning them with organizational goals and sector trends. He brings a unique combination of strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive communities. His ability to assess needs, evaluate impact, and secure resources has amplified the missions of numerous organizations. Sebastian holds a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Queens University of Charlotte and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Beyond his professional pursuits, Sebastian enjoys exploring the outdoors, diving into underwater adventures, and traveling with his family.
Tyrah Cobb-Davis
Tyrah Cobb-Davis was raised in Prince George’s County and has been a lifelong resident of Laurel. She is the Outreach Manager at Baltimore Tree Trust, and is finishing up a master’s program at University of Maryland, Baltimore County in the Geography and Environmental Systems department.
She earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from Randolph College in Lynchburg, VA, and has a lot of hands-on experience in the environmental field, as demonstrated in her participation in the local Chesapeake Conservation Corps program with Frederick County Government, and as an AmeriCorps member with the RootNashville urban tree planting campaign in Nashville, TN, and her current work and graduate research. Most recently, she has been involved in the PG County Resident Advisory Group for Climate Action and Environmental Justice, involved in chartering a new NAACP chapter in PG County, and participated in Soul Trak’s 2024 Environmental Leadership Cohort, in addition to serving on the Executive Committee for the PG County Sierra Club.
Service and volunteerism has been something that has been a key component in her life, and she continues to find opportunities to get involved in this capacity. Outside of work, Tyrah spends her time traveling, hiking, reading, and finding local ice cream shops!
Edward Sanders
Edward Sanders is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing, hunting and boating/sailing. He currently works as a founding manager of the United Negro College Fund’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In addition to serving on the board of Soul Trak Outdoors, he serves on the Board of Visitors for Norfolk State University. He graduated with a degree in political science from Mississippi State University.
Nicol Hodges
Nicol Hodges is a dedicated wellness leader with extensive experience in creating transformative programs that promote healthier lifestyles and build strong community connections. As a member of the Board of Directors for Soul Trak Outdoors, Nicol brings her expertise in wellness coaching, staff development, and project management to advance the organization’s mission of fostering outdoor engagement and well-being. Her past work with runners and fitness professionals highlights her ability to cultivate inclusive communities, inspire active living, and design impactful initiatives that resonate with diverse groups. Nicol’s strategic leadership and passion for wellness will be instrumental in driving organizational growth, enhancing team engagement, and promoting a culture of health and connection through nature and outdoor activities.
Ayia Lindquist
Ayia Lindquist has roots in the Caribbean, was born on the island of St. Croix, and raised along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Her lifelong connection to these precious ecosystems informs her passion for environmental protection, restoration, and community resilience. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Geography with an emphasis in Environment and Society at San Diego State University in 2019. She currently works as an Associate Program Manager for Climate Resilience at NASA and plans to pursue her PhD this fall on climate and environmental justice impacts on communities. She is very excited to be joining SoulTrak as an Executive Board Member after completing the Environmental Leadership Cohort in 2023. She brings her passions for building community, equity in the outdoors, and the Earth to her role as a Board Member. Her commitment to this work runs deep and she looks forward to continuing to support SoulTrak in its growth and expansion. In her free time, you can find Ayia exploring a local park with her pup, surfing, snowboarding, crafting, and/or traveling somewhere new.