Archives: Firesouls
Saj Dillard
Saj’s love for urban farming blossomed during her time at Towson University, she participated in “Project Serve,” a volunteer initiative where she had the opportunity to work alongside other farmers in Baltimore City. This experience was a turning point for her, sparking a deep passion for urban farming and community engagement. At the core of…
Rachel Muth
Rachel is a Program Coordinator and Educator at CBF’s Smith Island location. She works with youth from across the Chesapeake Bay watershed, leading immersive trips, facilitating hands-on environmental learning, and inspiring the next generation of Bay stewards. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Northern Colorado and brings experience as a former summer camp…
Joby Taylor
Joby Taylor co-leads the Shriver Center at UMBC. Joby was born and raised in Miami, Oklahoma, a small town that is also home to eight Native American nations. He served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Gabon, Africa (91-93) helping build an elementary school in the village of Seka Seka, and, as all RPCVs soon…
Susie Bruninga
Susie is a mostly retired editor, who spent most of her career covering environmental policy issues. She has lived in D.C. for 35 years and in the Rock Creek neighborhood for 14. When Susie learned of plans to build townhouses on the green space behind her block, she helped organize the neighbors to stop it….
Alex Bull
Alex is a Baltimore local and works with a variety of organizations in various communities in Baltimore City. Alex feels fortunate to hav e grown up with plenty of access to nature experiences. He is now dedicated to affording others in his community that same opportunity as a Firesoul and community steward….
Johnny Martin Jr.
Johnny Martin, Jr. is a passionate advocate for empowering this generation and the next, which led to the founding of Cooperative Community Development Inc. in 2020. His humility allows him to connect with children, young adults, and seniors of all cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. Johnny knows that places for residents to feel safe and…
Ann Marie Lawler
Ann Marie was born and raised in Baltimore with multi-generational ties to Baltimore and central Virginia where her relatives farm property that has been in the family since the late 1700s. Ann Marie worked at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for more than 30 years in various laboratory positions. As a volunteer at…
Yumna Valiulla
Yumna serves on the Executive Team at Muslim Family Center. She primarily works with the youth, focusing on building their relationships with each other and strengthening their Muslim identity. She and her team strive to provide purposeful and inclusive Islamic programs for their community. Glorifying God through His creations is rooted in our belief. Having…
Shazia Yousuf
Shazia is a stay-at-home home mom to her three children. She enjoys landscape design work and worked closely with her landscape architect to design her backyard and patio. With her love of design and landscape, Shazia is excited to assist and learn from the Sacred Place design process. Shazia is a collaborator and is eager…
Ayman Rahman
Ayman serves on the Board and Executive Team at the Muslim Family Center. Nature and the Sacred Place is a vital part of Ayman’s community’s values. …
