BHE-SAC

BHE-SAC is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to creating safe, fun, and meaningful outdoor experiences. Whether you’re passionate about hiking, exploring nature, improving your health, or building community, you’ll find a place with us.

OUR MISSION

Through our hikes and wellness activities, we focus on:

• Outdoor adventures that connect you to nature

• Health and wellness to support a balanced lifestyle

• Community building where friendships and encouragement grow

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.

I was born in Ivory Coast, but in 2005, my family relocated to the United States in search of a better life after the Liberian Civil War. At age 10, I arrived in the U.S. with 20 family members, all guided and supported by my grandfather. We settled in a small town called Guinda, where we lived on a 50-acre farm. That’s where my love for the outdoors began. We grew our own fruits and vegetables and raised all kinds of farm animals—horses, goats, chickens—you name it.

Living the country life in Guinda, CA for eight years gave me a deep appreciation for the peace and comfort that nature provides.

After high school, I moved to Sacramento, CA for college, and on weekends, I hiked with friends. While on these hikes, something lit a spark in me. I couldn’t help but wonder—where are the people of color? Why aren't we out here more often? With everything we go through daily—fighting silent battles, carrying trauma, stress, depression, and anxiety—being in nature felt like such a powerful way to heal. I imagined how much more beautiful that healing could be if we experienced it together, surrounded by us, in a positive space.

One day, I decided to take a leap. I made a Facebook post with just a date and time, not knowing if anyone would even show up. To my surprise, four people came. We hiked, we laughed, we connected—and it felt so right. After a few more hikes, they encouraged me to take the next step and start a group of my own.

That’s how Black Hikers Explore–Sacramento was born. It became more than just hiking—it became a safe space for people of color and underrepresented communities to show up as their true selves, build lasting friendships, find healing, and pursue health goals together.

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.