Echoes and Footprints, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN: 88-4351347) based in Delaware.
We intend to uncover, celebrate and promote the rhythm of the Americas with in-country partners through research, experiential learning, sustainable tourism and local empowerment.
We work with ethnomusicologists, historians and linguists to explore, document and promote the evolution of culture rooted in the African diaspora in the Americas.
Our Board of Directors
We are grateful to have the support and wisdom of this talented board of directors.
Herman Boyd
President & CEO
Herman Boyd founded Echoes and Footprints following a 35-year information technology career at a multinational corporation, DuPont. Key leadership areas were digital transformation, marketing and campaign management, customer service, and e-commerce. After retiring, earned a certification in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management from the International Institute of Tourism at The George Washington University. Integrating sustainable tourism, digital engagement, and a passion for the significance of the African polyrhythmic beat in the music of the Americas lead to the founding of Echoes and Footprints, Inc. Other: US Air Force veteran. Long history of community engagement and professional mentorship.
Sonya Boyd
Treasurer
Sonya Boyd, Echoes & Footprints’ treasurer, is based out of Bentonville (AR) where she is a corporate buyer at Walmart’s headquarters. Sonya has held similar roles at retailers such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Fossil, Michael Kors and American Eagle. A native of South Carolina, Sonya holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. She has extensively traveled the world and enjoys learning new cultures. She is a veteran of the United States Air Force.
Kevin Alston
Secretary
Kevin Alston, the board’s Secretary, is a project management professional based out of Millsboro (DE). A native of Baltimore (MD), Kevin has managed the creation and transformation of software systems across multiple industries. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree and is a U.S. Army veteran.
Perla Dunn
At-Large
Perla Dunn, an at-large board member located in West Palm Beach (FL), has held operational management and leadership roles across diverse industries. As the Planning & Moves Team Lead at Cushman & Wakefield, she excels in strategic planning and execution within the enterprise mobility sector. As a Rental Logistics Manager at Enterprise Holdings, Perla led a team of 120 employees, oversaw recruitment efforts, and maintained important client relationships. Also at Enterprise, Perla honed her skills in logistics and personnel management, further solidifying her reputation as a capable and results-driven logistics professional. Perla provides logistics advice to the board and perspective on music, arts and culture from her native Mexico.
Brian Mahoney
At-Large
Brian Mahoney, an at-large board member based in Wilmington (DE), is an optometrist.
Partly retired, Brian was the Chief of the Optometry section at the Veteran Administration hospital in Wilmington. He holds a Doctorate in Optometry.
Support Staff
Chris Johansen
Chris is a long-time nonprofit and marketing professional who has helped organizations grow. He has worked in community development, health care, urban renewal, and performing arts. He holds an MBA in marketing and nonprofit management from Case Western Reserve University.
Our Partners
We work with multiple partners to bring this important history to life.
Fernando Gomez
Fernando Gomez is an inspirational speaker and the Director of Tamborilearte, community-based center for teaching Candombe. Fernando attended the National School of Fine Arts in Montevideo and the Latin American Center for Human Economy. He seeks to preserve Candombe for generations to come and share it locally and globally through classes, workshops and team building exercises.
Karen Higgs
Karen Higgs advises this project. She is the author of The Guru’Guay Guide to Montevideo (2019) – the only English-language city guide to the capital – and its companion The Guru’Guay Guide to Uruguay: Beaches, Ranches & Wine Country (2017), both Amazon bestsellers. Her website, Guruguay.com, is the leading advice website for English speakers who seek to visit or move to Uruguay. Karen also provides consulting to individuals and companies seeking to enter the Uruguay market.
Carl Triplehorn
Carl Triplehorn, MA advises this project. A global expert in humanitarian assistance and community engagement, he has set up education systems and youth programs after natural disasters and war in countries such as Sudan, Kosovo, Indonesia and Sierra Leone for UNHCR and Save the Children. Most recently, he led the design and implementation of youth development programs worldwide for U.S. Peace Corps. He is a playwright and actor in his spare time.