The Teamwork Makes The Dream Work
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead
Laurie Hang, Founder
With over 10 years of experience helping people reconnect to their bodies, roots, and inner wisdom, Laurie leads intimate workshops and retreats where self-care becomes a path to collective healing and peace.
David Schwed, Advisory Member
David combines decades of experience in advocacy, mentorship, and energy innovation to support individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, foster community connection, and create spaces of healing, refuge, and opportunity.
Jabbar Stroud, Community Engagement
Dedicated to serving communities through crisis response, mentorship, and collaborative social initiatives, Jabbar combines healing practices like hiking, yoga, and meditation with innovative solutions to empower youth, foster connections.
Jemelia Bowie, Fundraising & Governance
As a 200-hour registered yoga teacher and Hike to Yoga member since 2020, Jemelia creates experiences that blend movement, mindfulness, and connection in nature, fostering community and wellness..
Nicole Ragone, Partnerships
With a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, Nicole supports children, families, and underserved populations, fostering healing, connection, and access to resources that promote joyful, fulfilling lives.
Mike Madrilejo, Programs & Research
With roots in the Bay Area and Filipino heritage, Michael draws on his lived experiences and academic journey to serve as a mentor, advocate, and leader, dedicated to uplifting the API community through education, healing, and collective empowerment.
Want to volunteer your gifts?
We believe that each human reaches their fullest potential when they give what is easiest.
Advisory Circle
Purpose: To serve as wisdom keepers, connectors, and strategic advisors who support Hike to Yoga’s long-term vision, partnerships, and credibility.
Who is included: Those who expressed a desire to mentor, advise, open doors, connect us to funding/nonprofits/government programs, or provide high-level insight without operational commitments.
Core Responsibilities:
Attend quarterly advisory gatherings (in-person)
Offer guidance on major program decisions
Connect Hike to Yoga to partners, organizations, and opportunities
Provide feedback on research, program direction, and community mission
Time Commitment:
Quarterly meetings
Optional contribution between gatherings
Perks / Value Exchange:
Early access to program updates and community initiatives
Recognition on H2Y website and publications
Invitations to H2Y retreats, events, and ceremonies
Ability to influence long-term mission and impact in a non-operational capacity
This circle holds the heart and lineage of Hike to Yoga.
Working Board/ Committee “Pods”
Purpose: To co-create and execute the 2026 Program & Research Plan, including:
Teacher Training Launch
Hike Leader Pathways
SYTAR 2026 Research Abstract
Community Expansion & Partnerships
Fundraising & Operational Growth
Who is included: Members who self-organize into the four pods and expressed readiness for hands-on work.
Committee Pods:
Programs & Research
Fundraising & Development
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Governance
Core Responsibilities:
Monthly virtual working board meetings
Quarterly full-circle meetings with the Advisory Circle
Completion of 90-day and annual deliverables within pods
Maintaining communication and updating project boards (via Notion)
Time Commitment:
Monthly 75–90 min meetings
~2–4 hours/month of pod collaboration
Quarterly all-hands gatherings
Perks / Value Exchange:
Leadership development & resume-building
Certificates of service
Letters of recommendation for professional opportunities
Priority for H2Y training scholarships
Access to research authorship opportunities
Invitation to present or support SYTAR 2026 poster
This board is our engine — the group helping build the next evolution of H2Y programming and research.
Contact Us
We would love to learn more about you! Let us know how you’ll like to contribute.
Email us at hiketoyogala@gmail.com
Subscribe
Let people know they can sign up to your audience and receive updates, or learn more about a product or service.
rest is rebellion.
Hope to see you on the trail and on the mat very soon!
Hike to Yoga is a project of Community Partners, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
© 2025 Hike to Yoga
