Meet The Board
Ralinda Wimbush
Chair
Originally from Annapolis, Maryland, and now based in South Baltimore, Ralinda Wimbush is the founder of Women of Color Outdoors (WOCO) and Board Chair of Friends of Masonville Cove. Her work connects environmental education, community engagement, and nature-based experiences to expand access to outdoor spaces and strengthen relationships between residents and their environment.
Ralinda works alongside communities and partners to bring attention to environmental challenges affecting underserved and under-resourced neighborhoods. Through educational excursions and thoughtfully designed outdoor programs, she builds trust, encourages participation, and creates opportunities for learning, stewardship, and physical and spiritual wellbeing. Her approach is grounded in the belief that meaningful environmental change begins with informed, connected communities whose voices help shape the places they call home.
Sharon Dorsey
Vice-Chair
Sharon Dorsey is a native of Baltimore, MD and is passionate about supporting local, minority-led nature-based organizations through science education and community engagement. She received a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from George Mason University and a Master’s degree in Fish & Wildlife Conservation from Virginia Tech. Sharon currently works as an environmental consultant at KCI Technologies advising clients on strategies to improve watershed health throughout Maryland.
"My favorite moments in nature are found in the quiet beauty of things the world barely notices."
Natalie Cohen
Secretary / Treasurer
Natalie Cohen is a Grants Manager with the Baltimore City Department of Planning, where she oversees the Casino Local Impact Fund and Reimagine Middle Branch. She works with City agencies and community organizations to drive community development, climate resilience, and infrastructure projects forward. Prior to her work with the City, Natalie served as Manager of Community Conservation for the National Wildlife Federation where she focused on the creation and stewardship of urban greenspaces throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Natalie graduated from Salisbury University in 2015 with a bachelors degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Biology. In her free time, you can find Natalie in the garden, thrifting, or lounging in Baltimore’s lovely parks.
John Racanelli
Corporate Liaison
For over four decades, John Racanelli has been at the forefront of global ocean conservation. He recently founded CentroMar, a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the way humankind cares for dolphins and whales in captivity. CentroMar's mission is to open and operate the world’s first seaside dolphin sanctuary in Puerto Rico, by the end of the decade.
During his career leading major US aquariums, John opened the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, founded the Florida Aquarium, and led the National Aquarium’s evolution from an aging Baltimore attraction to a nationally recognized ocean conservation leader. John’s commitment to urban conservation, habitat restoration and connecting young people to nature inspired him to join the board of Friends of Masonville Cove, which he describes as an “urban oasis for nature and people.” Originally from California, John and his spouse Susan are proud to call Baltimore’s historic Canton waterfront district home.
Vacant
Community Liaison
Staff
Asia Brown
FoMC Coordinator
Asia Brown is a Baltimore native passionate about connecting communities to nature through outdoor recreation and environmental science. As the Founder and Executive Director of Black Girls Hike, a national organization dedicated to expanding access to outdoor recreation, Asia brings experience in organizational leadership, community engagement, and building sustainable organizations from the ground up.
Through her involvement with the Friends of Masonville Cove, Asia hopes to strengthen community connections to nature, expand equitable access to outdoor spaces, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.