Naadii Salaam

Naadii is a Pennsylvanian by birth and a Durhamite by choice. After completing her B.A. in Biology, with a minor concentration in Marine Science, Naadii made The City of Medicine her home. Over the past 2 decades, Naadii has spent much of her time getting to know the nature sanctuaries and natural spaces around the city. Naadii has volunteered with a variety of outdoor initiatives, including the Carolina Community Garden (Chapel Hill), SEEDS (Durham), as well as litter cleanups as part of the Durham Community Trail Watch Group. Naadii is passionate about preserving and expanding Durham's green spaces as well as keeping Durham communities clean and litter free. Her other passions include cooking, caring for houseplants, and hikes/runs around Durham (especially on the American Tobacco Trail.)

Nikki Liles

A native of North Carolina, Nikki earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geography from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She currently works as the Director of GEAR UP at the UNC System Office where she provides leadership in increasing access to postsecondary education. Nikki has worked with the GEAR UP program in different roles for over 6 years. During that time, she earned a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University. An advocate for the underserved who embodies her alma mater’s motto of truth and service, she actively seeks out opportunities to support her community. She enjoys fishing, gardening with family and friends, as well as hiking.

Ashley Robbins

Ashley is a science communications specialist for the American Society for Microbiology and works on COVID-related policy. She holds a Master's in Environmental Policy from Vermont Law School and dual Bachelor's in biology and journalism. Ashley loves sharing science with others and is seeking N.C. Environmental Education certification through the state's 4-year program. In her spare time, she assists non-profits with social media campaigns and volunteers at the local museum. Ashley and her dog are amateur birdwatchers.

Beth Leigh

Beth is the owner of FrankLeigh Art, an art business that strives to provide quality, thought- provoking art pieces, while also providing an opportunity to discuss mental health awareness. Beth is a mental health advocate and artist that has dedicated her life to helping others survive mental illness. With training in literary, vocal, music, 2D, and 3D visual arts, Beth has found that art can be utilized as a gateway to break the stigma of mental illness, offer resources to the community at large, and save lives. When she isn’t painting, she is enjoying nature, fishing, planting, hiking, and exploring butterfly houses.

Chelsea Sloggy

Chelsea is a dual-degree Master of Environmental Management (MEM) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) student at the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment and Fuqua School of Business. Her studies and work are a unique combination of community-based environmental management and strategy consulting for sustainability and social impact. Chelsea is driven by innovative, equitable solutions to environmental and social problems, at both the local (government and non-profit) level and within for-profit businesses. In her spare time, you can find her hiking with her husband, gardening, climbing, reading, and listening to podcasts.

New members welcome!