BHE-SAC

Black Hikers Explore – Sacramento is a community  based nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to outdoor recreation, wellness, and community connection for minority and underrepresented communities in the Greater Sacramento area. 

OUR MISSION 

 Our mission is to create safe, inclusive spaces where individuals and families can experience the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of nature through hiking, wellness programming, and community outreach.

Our team, made up of individuals with unique backgrounds and experiences, is the driving force behind BHE-SAC. Their creativity and insight guide the growth and vision of our organization. Keep reading to get to know some of the amazing people who make it all possible.

My journey into wellness work is deeply personal. I was born in Liberia and grew up in Ivory Coast as a refugee before migrating to the United States as a teenager. Having experienced displacement, trauma, and the emotional weight of starting over, I learned early on how deeply mental, emotional, and physical health are connected.

Most of my life, survival came before self-care. It wasn’t until I discovered the healing power of nature and movement that I began to truly process stress, anxiety, and emotional burnout. Hiking became more than exercise—it became therapy, prayer, clarity, and restoration. Being outdoors gave me space to breathe, heal, and reconnect with myself in ways traditional systems never offered.

I started Black Hikers Explore–Sacramento after recognizing the lack of representation and culturally safe spaces for Black people in outdoor recreation. While hiking offers powerful physical, mental, and emotional health benefits, many Black and underrepresented individuals often feel excluded, unsafe, or unwelcome in these spaces. I wanted to create a community where people could explore the outdoors without fear or judgment, while building confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.

My passion is rooted in equity, wellness, and community impact. I am driven by the belief that access to nature and outdoor wellness should be inclusive, empowering, and available to everyone, regardless of background or experience level.

I’ve always believed that health is more than what happens in the gym—it’s about how we move, eat, think, and connect with the world around us. With over 30 years in fitness and wellness coaching, I’ve dedicated my life to helping people rediscover their energy, strength, and confidence. While I’m passionate about guiding those over 40 through the changes that come with midlife, I also love working with younger individuals—teaching them how to take care of themselves now so they can grow gracefully into their 40s and beyond. I’m also a proud mom and grandma, and nothing inspires me more than showing my family what it means to live fully, at every stage of life.

My journey with Black Hikers Explore Sacramento (BHE-SAC) started when I wanted to do more outdoor activities and began noticing posts about hiking. Something about it sparked my interest, so I showed up for a hike—and that day changed everything. Being surrounded by nature, moving my body in a new way, and sharing the trail with amazing people left me feeling both grounded and inspired. That’s also the day I met Patience, and a simple post-hike conversation blossomed into a partnership that would open the door for me to get involved with BHE-SAC.

Today, as Vice President of BHE-SAC, I bring my passion for wellness and movement into the outdoor space. Hiking has become not only another way to stay healthy but also a way to build community, celebrate culture, and encourage others—no matter their age—that it’s never too late (or too early) to focus on health. Through this role, I’m excited to help more people experience the joy, healing, and connection that comes from being active in nature.

 I am proud to serve as the first aid personnel for our hiking group. I have been a nurse for 8 years. I love hiking and all things outdoors. I look forward to supporting the health and safety of our members in any way I can. 

 I enjoy outdoors. I enjoy nature. What better way to enjoy both of them than hiking?
From Boy Scouts to 101st Airborne to Sacramento in my middle yrs (57), hiking and outdoors has been a staple in my life, especially in staying healthy & whole. As part of this group, networking, learning, laughing, and building relationships (backed with a spiritual foundation in Christ) is my goal & I hope to achieve it with your help, positivity, & commitment to growing this group as well as yourself.

I look forward to connecting with you on and off the trail. 1luv. 

What first got me into hiking was the need for fresh air and a reset from the everyday grind. Once I stepped on the trail, I realized it was more than just exercise. It was a way to reconnect with nature, clear my mind, and challenge myself. While I'm not a professional hiker, I like to think of myself as a professional walker. Being outdoors brings me peace, keeps me grounded, and helps me recharge.

 I'm grateful to share in this journey with our community, one step at a time. I look forward to connecting with others and making every hike a meaningful experience.