Born and raised in Chicago, Tarik spent his childhood exploring local forest preserves and park districts to connect with nature. After graduating college, he worked in political organizing, environmental restoration, and most recently joined The Nature Conservancy's Illinois chapter as an environmental policy advocate. In 2024, Tarik embarked on a Cook County Birding 'Big Year,' breaking the record with 294 species. Tarik enjoys birding along the lakefront, chasing rare sightings across Cook County, advocating for habitat protection and expansion, and connecting people to nature.