Inspired To Explore

Learn. Grow. Lead. Transform

Every Horizon is a Home.

There is a place for you here. There always has been.

A human development organization for the resilient, the searching, and the ready.

Our Story

What every human being is looking for is
not success - it is belonging.

Not the belonging that comes from fitting in.
The belonging that comes from being fully seen.

Belonging is not a reward for those who have already arrived.
It is the foundation that makes arriving possible.
It is the ground beneath the trail.

That feeling — its presence when it is given, its weight when it is withheld — is what Inspired to Explore Inc is built around. We believe that without belonging, even the most capable person cannot find their footing. This is an organization for everyone who has ever needed to find that ground.

For the person who just stepped off a plane into a country that does not yet know their name. For the executive sitting in their car, successful by every visible measure and quietly hollow in a way they cannot explain. For the teenager who has never been told they belong in rooms where decisions are made. For the community that has grit in abundance and opportunity in scarcity. For the person carrying grief, or starting over, or searching — with an urgency they feel but cannot quite name — for something real.

Every one of them belongs here. Every one of them already does.

Where it all began

One person.
One wall.
One realization.

"Not the kind of hollow that announces itself. The kind that hides behind a full calendar and a confident handshake. The kind that waits until the performance pauses — and then asks, with a clarity that can no longer be postponed: is this it?"

— Neil Bhandari, Founder & Executive Director, ITE

From the outside, the picture was complete. A thriving healthcare business. A top-producing real estate team. A portfolio of investments. A beautiful family. By every metric the world uses to measure a life — the picture was complete.

And on the inside, something was hollow.

Out of shape. Stressed in the way high-performing people learn to normalize. Searching, in a way that felt urgent and inarticulate, for something that the achievements had not been able to provide: meaning. Real health. A reason to wake up that felt bigger than a calendar.

In 2022, all of that converged into a wall. And the wall — as walls do, when you stop fighting them and start listening — turned out to be a door.

ITE Timeline at a glance

2022 - THE WALL

The search begins

The decision to go looking leads to Wharton's Management Development Program. Not for another credential — for something with no name yet. Space to think. Tools to understand not just how to succeed, but how to live.

2022 - NEPAL

The mountain answers

Weeks on the Annapurna Circuit. Ancient villages, glaciers, rhododendron forests. Nepal recalibrated everything — the definition of wealth, of health, of what it actually means to be alive. Before leaving, a scholarship is established at Arniko School. The belief crystallizes: personal growth, if it is real, becomes a responsibility to others.

2023 - FOUNDED

ITE is born
Inspired to Explore Inc is founded. Not from a business plan — from a breakthrough. From the direct, lived experience of what becomes possible when a person is given the tools, the challenge, and the community to discover who they truly are. live.

2024 - LEADERSHIP

Maxwell & the rope team

Joining the John Maxwell Leadership Team. The conviction that the highest form of leadership is developing more leaders — that the greatest measure of a person's influence is not what they accomplish, but what they help others accomplish.

2024 - THE SUMMITS

The message, lived
Four of Seven Summits reached. World Marathon Majors underway. Every peak delivers the same truth in a different landscape: you are more capable than you believe. The wall is not the last word. The horizon belongs to everyone willing to keep walking.

NOW - THE COMMUNITY

Growing. Climbing. Reaching back.

One person's honest reckoning became a community's mission. The moment that person began to share it, they discovered something more important than any summit: they were not alone on the mountain. They had never been. And neither had anyone else.

Why nature

Nature is the most democratic classroom that has ever existed.

"The trail does not check your resume. The forest does not ask your immigration status. The mountain does not require a degree or a down payment. It asks only: are you here? Are you paying attention? Are you willing to be changed?"

Nature connects Shared terrain dissolves the walls that keep people separated. On the trail, the refugee and the executive breathe the same air and face the same incline. Community forms naturally when people explore naturally. The stewardship of the natural world and the flourishing of human communities are not separate projects — they are the same project.

Nature heals Before anything else — the body and mind need restoration. We have seen the corporate founder step onto a trail and feel, without warning, the weight of a decade lift. We have watched a refugee family discover something in the openness of the sky that felt like safety. Nature delivers what no program can manufacture.

Nature teaches A trail responds to effort, presence, and honesty — the same qualities every meaningful human journey requires. In nature, every person is returned to the same essential truth: we are small, we are capable, we belong to something vast and interconnected, and we did not need to earn our place in it.

Nature includes everyone A sunrise does not require you to reach a summit to witness it. A path through a forest is accessible at every pace, every ability, every stage of life. ITE's programs begin with this principle — the journey is defined by the traveler, not the terrain. Every horizon belongs to every person.

Nature is cyclic Seasons do not apologize for returning. The forest that burns regenerates. Winter is not a failure. ITE teaches that human growth follows the same pattern — every ending is a new beginning, every return to base is the cycle working exactly as it should.

The rope team

The wall belongs to everyone.

The refugee & immigrant family

Crossed borders and oceans. Demonstrated courage most people will never be called upon to show. Carries grit, wisdom, and potential that has never been given the right conditions to fully express itself.

The teenager who has been overlooked

Underfunded for their entire educational life. Never told clearly and without condition that they have what it takes. ITE says it clearly: they do.

The veteran who came home

Gave everything. Returned to a world that did not quite know what to do with them. Knows the wall from a different kind of terrain. Belongs here.

The single parent, two cultures

Holding a family together across languages and continents. Pouring from a cup that has needed refilling for longer than anyone has noticed. ITE refills it.

The founder who hit the wall
Built something real. Reached what looked like the summit. Found it hollow. ITE was born from exactly this moment — and knows this terrain better than most.

Every person, every ability
ITE uses "horizon" not "summit" because a horizon belongs to every human being regardless of physical ability. Every program asks: how do we make this accessible to every person who wants to come?

ITE does not come to any community to give them strength. The strength is already there. We come to create the conditions — the access, the education, the resources, the community, the belief — that allow what is already present to flourish.

In mountaineering, the rope team is the principle that holds everything together. Climbers are linked by a shared line.

If one slips, the others hold. If one finds the route, they mark it for the rest. The strongest carry more weight on the hard days. The fastest slow down to stay with the group. And the summit, when it is reached, is reachedtogether.

"Not a charity delivering services to passive recipients. A rope team of active climbers at different points on the same trail - each one with something to give, each one with something still to learn."

How we grow

The spiral
that never stops.

Growth at ITE is not a straight line from broken to healed, from lost to found. It is a spiral - a continuous, upward cycle that happens simultaneously, in every person, at every point on the trail.

You learn something and it changes how you grow. You grow and it deepens how you lead. You lead and you are transformed. And the transformation opens you to a richer, deeper level of learning than was available before. The cycle does not end. It ascends. Every clearing becomes the basecamp for the next climb. Every horizon, once reached, opens onto a wider one.

"Not a program with a start and an end — a living, breathing, continuous ascent. One that every person in our community is on, at their own pace, in their own landscape, toward their own unique horizon."

Learn

Begin with wonder · The forest floor

Before anyone can grow, they must first be given permission to discover. ITE creates that permission — in outdoor education, Nature Rx, scholarships, and cultural orientation. The invitation: come as you are. Bring your questions. The trail begins here, and you do not need to have it figured out to start walking.

"The path begins the moment you arrive. You are already on it."

Grow

Build with intention · The incline

Growth is physical, professional, financial, and profoundly personal. Fitness that rebuilds not just strength but the sense that your body is still yours. Skills that turn existing ability into marketable confidence. Microfinance that transforms a vision into a livelihood. Medical care for a body that has been carrying too much for too long. Every investment is designed to multiply.

"When one person grows, the people around them grow too."

Lead

Turn around and reach back · The canopy

Leadership at ITE is not a title. It is a decision — to look around, see who is still finding the trail, and turn around to hold out a hand. We develop leaders at every level: the young person finding their voice for the first time, the immigrant entrepreneur building their first team, the community elder who becomes the anchor for everyone arriving after them.

"The greatest explorer is the one who shows others the trail."

Transform

Become the guide · The new horizon

Transformation is ITE's deepest measure of success — not programs completed, but the moment a person moves from needing a guide to being one. And here is the beautiful truth: transformation sends you back to the beginning of the spiral. The person transformed discovers, from that new vantage point, new things worth learning. The cycle ascends. It never ends

"Every horizon reached opens onto a wider one."

Why we say "horizon" — not "summit"

At ITE, we use the horizon as our central image because a horizon belongs to every human being, at every ability level, in every circumstance. You do not need to be able to climb a mountain to have a horizon. Every person — including those with disabilities, mobility challenges, chronic illness, or any condition that makes summit language feel exclusionary — has a horizon that is uniquely, completely theirs. The journey is defined by you, not by the terrain. ITE's programs, events, and community are designed to meet every explorer exactly where they are.

What drives us

Mission. Vision.
Values.

Our Mission

Explore. Inspire. Transform.

We invest in people’s potential through education, wellness, and leadership. By supporting scholarships, fitness, and skill-building, we help people of all ages grow, lead, and give back to their communities. Together with our partners, we create lasting impact and shared success.

Our Vision

A horizon for every person.

To inspire change in people's lives and livelihoods through a deeper connection with the natural world. A world where belonging is the foundation — not the reward. Where grit and potential present in every community are met with the conditions needed to flourish. Where every person who has been told the horizon is not theirs to reach discovers that it always was.

Our Values

Decency. Humbleness. Understanding.

We lead with basic human decency — every person on every trail deserves dignity. We practice humbleness — the most experienced guides remain students of the mountain. We cultivate understanding — every person you meet is navigating terrain you cannot fully see. The only appropriate response is to walk alongside them with respect.

Community voices

What explorers
have said

"That beautiful nature exploration brought positive momentum with many happy hikers — it literally made me feel deeply connected to the outdoor world. The power of nature has a profound influence that inspires human life in countless ways. Nature has a unique ability to heal and rejuvenate. The most powerful inspiration I experienced was the real essence of natural beauty and the connections with the communities enhancing the true sense of belonging."
A Bhutanese American Community Leader · ITE Explorer

“

"ITE's work to promote health and wellness in our community is a significant step towards bridging the health disparities in communities with fewer resources. Together, we can build stronger resources to improve the health and wellness of our community members."
Asian Refugees United (ARU) · Partner Organization

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"At 71, Aama reminds us that nature carries memory and home — no matter where we are."
ITE Community Documentary · Pennsylvania

“

"That beautiful Saturday morning hike at Dehart Dam Loop was nothing short of magical. The breathtaking scenery, the fresh air, and the sounds of nature created an atmosphere of peace and connection that I hadn't felt in a long time."
Arati C. · ITE Community Explorer

“

"There's something truly special about being out in nature, surrounded by towering trees and breathtaking views. Every step on the trail was a reminder of how beautiful our world is."
Laura Ghimire · ITE Explorer

“

Our promise

We rise
together.

One person hit a wall. They went looking. They found the mountain. They came home changed — and built a community around what they discovered, because the most natural response to a real breakthrough is to make sure others have access to it.

We believe belonging is the foundation of everything. Not a reward for those who have already arrived. The ground beneath the trail itself. Without it, no ascent is possible.

We believe nature is the most honest classroom we have. And that access to its healing, its teaching, and its belonging should not depend on your zip code, your income, or the country printed on your passport.

We believe the grit and potential present in every community simply needs the right conditions to flourish. ITE does not come to give communities strength. The strength is already there.

We believe growth is cyclic, not linear. Every summit becomes the basecamp for the next climb. Returning is not regression — it is the wisdom of the season. The cycle ascends. It never ends.

We believe in basic decency, humbleness, and understanding. Every person you meet is navigating terrain you cannot fully see. Walk beside them with respect.

We believe the highest act of exploration is guiding someone else. Every horizon reached becomes someone else's starting point. The walk doesn't end when you arrive. It begins again when you turn back to show someone the way.

Not a program
A movement.

Not a service
A community.

Not a destination
A shared ascent.

"There is a place for you here.
There always has been.
Every horizon is a home."

— Inspired to Explore, Inc. · Learn. Grow. Lead. Transform.

Staff Members

Neil Bhandari

Founder & Executive Director, Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Leader,
Wilderness First Responder Certified

Neil Bhandari is a Bhutanese-American entrepreneur, real estate strategist, and global advocate for the transformative power of nature and human potential. His life embodies what he calls the Spiral Ascent -the belief that no matter how many times you are forced to start over, you always begin again with more wisdom, more grit, and a higher perspective. Neil’s journey began in a refugee camp in Nepal, following his family’s displacement from Bhutan. Growing up without basic services, he learned to navigate the mountains of circumstance with resilience and a quiet, unshakeable decency. After resettling in the United States in 2009, he built a top-performing real estate career, led in the healthcare sector, earned a degree in Mathematics and Statistics from Southern New Hampshire University, and completed executive training at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In 2022, a trek through Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit — taken during a period of serious personal health challenge — changed everything. Neil rediscovered the outdoors not just as a playground, but as a physician and a teacher. That revelation became the founding philosophy of Inspired to Explore, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise built on the Human Evolution Cycle: Learn. Grow. Lead. Transform. Today Neil is pursuing the Seven Summits — having stood on the peaks of Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, Vinson, and Aconcagua — and is completing the World Marathon Majors as an endurance athlete and fundraiser. Through the Arniko Endowment, the scholarship fund he built at the school that once opened its doors to a refugee student who went on to Wharton, he is ensuring the next generation has the same door held open for them. For Neil, the summit has never been a pile of rocks or a finish line. It is a state of being. Whether he is training for Everest, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, or leading a community hike through the trails of Pennsylvania, his mission is constant: to be the self-arrest for others — the steady hand that stops the fall and says keep climbing — ensuring that no one has to ascend their mountain alone. With a strategist’s mind and a guide’s heart, Neil brings structure, insight, and a fierce commitment to human flourishing to everything he builds.

Stephanie Kichler

Administrative Director,
Wilderness First Responder Certified

Originally from the Midwest, Stephanie’s journey has taken her from the cornfields of Indiana to the sandstone canyons of Southern Utah. Her career began in the classroom, teaching environmental science and outdoor education to students in Chicago and New Mexico. Over the years, her work expanded beyond traditional education and into the broader world of community-centered outdoor programs, nonprofit partnerships, and storytelling. She now serves as General Manager of BaseCamp 37°, a women-owned glamping retreat outside Kanab, Utah, where she oversees guest experience, operations, and remote risk management in the high desert. Stephanie’s approach to leadership is rooted in curiosity, care, and the belief that the outdoors can be a catalyst for growth. She’s worked for organizations like The Cairn Project, Summit Scholarship Foundation, AWExpeditions, and Climbing the Seven Summits—often working behind the scenes to support inclusive programming, amplify underrepresented voices, and craft meaningful narratives that connect people to mission-driven work. Her programmatic expertise and communications background give her a unique ability to bridge vision with action. Though no longer in a traditional teaching role, Stephanie continues to inspire learning wherever she goes—whether on the trail, around a campfire, or through the written word. She believes outdoor spaces offer more than just beauty; they offer opportunities to reflect, connect, and reimagine what’s possible. When she’s not fielding expedition logistics or writing copy, you can find her hiking, backpacking, or paddling through some of the Colorado Plateau’s most remote corners—or occasionally scuba diving in tropical places, to mix things up.

Sayuj Shakya

Program Operations & Quality Manager, Swimming coach,
Wilderness First Responder Certified

Sayuj Shakya is a Nepali-American whose life journey spans continents, cultures, and communities—each chapter marked by resilience, service, and a deep-rooted commitment to helping others. Born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sayuj developed an early appreciation for nature and exploration, walking daily through the Kathmandu valley and spending time at sacred sites like the Swayambunath temple complex. His path took an unexpected turn when he received a U.S. diversity visa in 1991, prompting a bold move to America and a complete reimagining of his future. Despite the challenges of immigration and starting anew, Sayuj built a life grounded in hard work, entrepreneurship, and an unwavering dedication to community. Over the course of nearly two decades, Sayuj found his calling in human services, working as a residential counselor in New Hampshire with individuals facing developmental disabilities and high-risk behaviors. Much of this work took place in outdoor settings, allowing him to combine his love for nature with his commitment to healing and care. His efforts made a lasting impact on vulnerable populations, reflecting the values of empathy, inclusion, and empowerment that are central to Inspired To Explore’s mission. Even while balancing work and family life, Sayuj pursued his education with determination, earning a degree in Information Technology from Southern New Hampshire University in 2019—a testament to his belief in lifelong learning and personal growth. Sayuj’s involvement with Inspired To Explore began two years ago and quickly became a transformative experience. As a volunteer, he has played a key role in program development, event management, and fostering teamwork across the organization. His leadership is not only logistical but deeply personal: Sayuj credits ITE with helping him navigate profound grief after the loss of his mother and supporting him through health challenges. This mutual relationship of service and healing speaks to the heart of ITE’s mission—creating inclusive spaces where nature, community, and personal wellbeing intersect. Today, Sayuj continues to lead with compassion and purpose, drawing on his certification as a Wilderness First Responder and his lifelong connection to the outdoors. Whether guiding others through nature-based programs or supporting behind-the-scenes operations, he embodies the spirit of Inspired To Explore: making nature accessible, nurturing resilience, and building community across boundaries. His story is a powerful reminder that exploration is not just about landscapes—it’s about the journey toward connection, healing, and shared purpose.

Prabin Pandey

Wilderness Program Manager,
Wilderness First Responder Certified

Prabin Pandey is a passionate adventurer and community leader whose days often begin with the rising sun and the call of the outdoors. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, he has dedicated his life to bringing people together—bridging generations through inclusive hiking events that inspire both elders and youth to connect with nature. Beyond his leadership, Prabin is a skilled technician with a strong foundation in electrical and mechanical systems, always ready to problem-solve and lend support whether in the field or on a trail. His love for camping, hiking, fishing, and trekking reflects a deep bond with the natural world, and he channels that energy into his personal health journey—focused on shedding body fat, building muscle, and staying active. Fitness isn’t just a goal for Prabin—it’s a lifestyle. As he hikes through forests and mountains, he also shares those moments with others through engaging reels and social media posts that continue to gain traction and community love. His growing online presence isn't about spotlighting himself, but about uplifting others—encouraging people to get outside, move their bodies, and find joy in shared experiences. Driven by curiosity, compassion, and a desire to explore, Prabin Pandey is not just walking trails—he’s building connections, creating impact, and inspiring a life well-lived in motion.

Marimuthu Sathasivam

Running and Conditioning coach

My name is Marimuthu Sathasivam, and I come from a small village nestled in Tamil Nadu, South India. My venture into the realm of endurance wasn’t immediate; rather, it evolved gradually, fueled by a growing passion that gradually took root within me. Following my college years, I embarked on a new chapter in Chennai, where my career journey began. It was there that I crossed paths with a remarkable group of individuals at the Chennai Trekking Club, sharing similar passions and adventurous spirits. Together, we ventured into the majestic mountains dotting Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and various other Southern Indian locales. Through these explorations, I explored deep into the details of hiking, camping, and mastering survival skills amidst nature’s wonders, all while safely navigating uncharted trails. Despite the hustle of city life, running took a backseat during this period, yet I diligently upheld my fitness routine through hiking and strength training. In 2012, my journey took me across the globe to the USA for my inaugural onsite job, marking the beginning of my enduring love affair with long-distance running. Initially, I eased into the rhythm by pounding the pavement daily, embarking on a series of 5K runs and 10K trail adventures. With time, my endurance grew, allowing me to tackle a half marathons every Friday before the workday commenced. However, the allure of the full marathon eluded me until a friend’s encouragement nudged me towards the starting line. In October 2013, I completed my inaugural marathon, the Mankato Marathon, crossing the finish line in 4 hours and 35 minutes. This marked the beginning of my marathon journey. The Twin City Marathon of 2014 saw me slashing my time to 4 hours and 9 minutes, a testament to my growing resolve and stamina. Following a brief hiatus post-marriage and the arrival of my son, I returned to the racing circuit in 2019, focusing on half marathons. The Harrisburg Marathon of 2021 witnessed me crossing the tape in 4 hours and 7 minutes, a reaffirmation of my enduring passion for the sport. Seeking greater challenges, I tackled the formidable Blue Ridge Marathon in 2022, renowned as one of the toughest road marathons in the USA, conquering 4000+ feet of elevation in 4 hours and 23 minutes. Finally, in 2023, I achieved a significant milestone by breaking the 4-hour mark at the York Marathon, crossing the finish line in 3 hours and 27 minutes, marking a 30-minute personal record. This stands as my personal best to date, fueling my ambition to eventually conquer the sub-3-hour marathon barrier. My journey into triathlon was entirely unplanned. In 2014, a friend signed up for the Chisago Lakes Triathlon, a half ironman distance event. A few days before the event, he invited me for a swim and impressed by my abilities, suggested I had the potential to excel in triathlon given my running background. Encouraged by his words, I decided to take the leap. Despite my doubts, I acquired a $1000 Trek road bike the next day and embarked on a 16-mile practice ride. With a mix of nerves and determination, I faced my first triathlon, conquering the half ironman distances of a 2.5km swim, 90km cycling, and 21km running, completing the race in 7 hours and 16 minutes. In 2015, despite being less than peak fitness due to post-marriage celebrations, I returned to the challenge, crossing the finish line in under 8 hours. The next goal was to tackle Ironman Wisconsin in 2015, but the demands of my professional and personal life intervened, temporarily halting my Ironman dreams. In 2020, the emergence of Covid-19 prompted significant lifestyle changes for me. I embraced outdoor activities like biking and running, reigniting my aspiration to participate in Ironman events. By 2023, I had registered for Eagleman 70.3 and Ironman Maryland. Once swimming pools reopened, I incorporated swimming into my training regimen. In June 2023, I completed the Eagleman 70.3, followed by achieving my ultimate goal of finishing the Ironman Maryland—a grueling 140.6-mile course—in an impressive 12 hours and 47 minutes in September.

Bp Subedi

IT Support Specialist

Bp Subedi is a technology enthusiast with experience spanning IT, mathematics, and science. He brings a strong analytical mindset to problem-solving, blending theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on skills. His background in IT reflects a deep interest in systems, networks, and emerging technologies. Alongside his technical pursuits, he is deeply passionate about mathematics and science as foundations for innovation and critical thinking. Beyond the STEM fields, Bp is a lifelong learner of literature and philosophy, valuing clarity of thought and depth of understanding. This interdisciplinary curiosity allows him to connect technical expertise with humanistic insight. He continuously seeks to grow intellectually, embracing learning as a lifelong journey.

Krishna Pradhan

Community Wellness Influencer & Director of Social Outreach

Krishna Pradhan is a Central Pennsylvania Realtor, community leader, and social media influencer whose work bridges professional excellence and dedicated service to the Bhutanese American and New American communities he calls home. As ITE’s Community Wellness Influencer & Director of Social Outreach, Krishna serves as the organizational bridge between ITE’s programs and the communities those programs were built for. He tells ITE’s story — in English and in Nepali — on the platforms where the community actually lives, and connects people to programs that exist specifically for them. Krishna is the recipient of the Social Media Influencer Award 2025 and the Community Hero Award 2026, recognition that reflects both his digital reach and his consistent, ground-level presence within Central Pennsylvania’s New American community. He serves as Team Leader at Ghimire Homes Harrisburg Office, a Board Director for the Bhutanese Community of Central Pennsylvania, an Advisor for the New American Chamber of Commerce, and a committee member of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors. Passionate about health, wellness, and human potential, Krishna embodies the ITE principle that leadership is not a title — it is a decision to serve the person one step below you on the staircase. Languages: English · Nepali Community Reach: Bhutanese American Community of Central Pennsylvania · New American Chamber of Commerce · Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors. Press Esc to exit editor.

Dr. Rachael Knotts

Leadership Coach, Speaker, Trainer, ITE Academic Counselor

Dr. Rachael Knotts is the CEO of Dr. Rachael Speaking/Training/Coaching, LLC. She is a Maxwell Certified Speaker, Trainer, and Coach, as well as a seasoned educator and Maxwell DISC Consultant. With over 22 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Rachael brings a deep understanding of leadership development and team dynamics to her work. Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in School Counseling and a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership & Innovation. Throughout her career, she has helped leaders in both business and education turn friction into flow. By working collaboratively, she helps teams uncover communication barriers and unproductive behavioral patterns, then develops strategic growth plans that restore trust, alignment, and high-level performance. Dr. Rachael’s certifications include Maxwell Leadership Certified Speaker, Trainer, Coach, and Consultant, as well as Maxwell DISC Trainer and Consultant. She is also an active member of Toastmasters International.

Manju Basnet

Youth Leadership & Transformation Coach

Manju Basnet is a dynamic community leader, Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Fitness Professional, and Financial Educator passionate about empowering individuals to unlock their full potential. Known for her dedication to personal growth and leadership, she actively leads and participates in numerous community initiatives focused on education, empowerment, and connection. She is a Distinguished Toastmaster and Distinguished Area Director, as well as the author of My Journey is My Message, available on Amazon. In 2025, she was honored as the first runner-up of Mrs. Nepal Canada. Since 2024, Manju has been leading Youth Empowerment Programs for children ages 7–13, creating safe and supportive spaces where young people feel heard, valued, and inspired to become future leaders. She also leads women empowerment initiatives and provides public speaking coaching to help individuals build confidence and leadership skills. Above all, Manju believes strong communities create strong leaders, and her mission is to inspire, empower, and uplift the next generation through leadership, education, and meaningful human connection.

Manju Gurung

Marketing Coordinator

Manju Gurung is a licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent and Nail Technician whose professional path reflects both versatility and heart. With a vibrant career spanning the insurance and beauty industries, she brings a unique blend of technical skill and personal care to every role she takes on. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to growth, connection, and community impact. Manju spent part of her early life in a refugee camp before resettling in the U.S., where she built a fulfilling life rooted in resilience and exploration. Her journey—from displacement to professional success—is a testament to her strength, adaptability, and unwavering spirit. In addition to her work in the insurance field, Manju volunteers with Inspired to Explore, where she leads community outreach and supports marketing efforts. Her ability to connect with people and share the transformative power of nature helps advance the organization’s mission to make outdoor experiences more accessible and meaningful for all. Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Manju is a fearless adventurer—except when it comes to snakes! She thrives on solo hikes, nature walks, and adrenaline-filled activities that challenge and inspire her. Her thoughtful approach to life and passion for the outdoors make her a natural ambassador for Inspired to Explore, where she continues to help others discover joy, healing, and growth through nature.

Ang Dawa Sherpa

Senior Advisor, IFMGA Mountain Guide & High Altitude Strategist
Wilderness First Responder Certified

Co-Founder & IFMGA/UIAGM-Certified Mountain Guide, Ang Dawa Sherpa, is an internationally certified IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide and a Guinness World Record holder with over 21 years of experience leading high-altitude expeditions. As one of the most accomplished mountaineers in the Himalayas, Ang Dawa has reached the summit of Mount Everest 10 times, and holds the world record (with his wife, Pasang Phuti Sherpa) for the fastest couple to summit Everest, achieved on May 14, 2019. Ang's mountaineering resume includes successful ascents of many of the world's most iconic peaks: Manaslu (8,163m) twice, Cho Oyu (8,201m), Gyachung Khang (7,075m), and Ama Dablam (6,812m) six times, along with countless trekking peaks and technical climbs. He completed his first Everest ascent via the North Side in 2007 and has since guided dozens of successful expeditions across the Himalayas and beyond. Ang Dawa is known for his technical skill and expedition leadership and his calm presence, cultural insight, and commitment to client safety. Ang is deeply passionate about making positive impact in the life of people through natural exploration and high altitude expeditions, there by transforming the life of individuals being touched.

Bhim Bhattarai

IT Consultant

Bhim Bhattarai is a dedicated community leader and outdoor enthusiast currently serving in a management role at Inspired 2 Explore, where he plays a key role in organizing inclusive and energizing adventure events. Since joining the organization, Bhim has developed a deep appreciation for nature and its ability to bring people together. From first-time hikers to seasoned trekkers, he has helped lead multiple hiking events that create meaningful connections and memorable experiences for participants of all skill levels. In addition to his leadership in the outdoor space, Bhim is also a committed scholar. He is simultaneously pursuing both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Cybersecurity at Penn State University, with plans to graduate with both degrees in just four years—a testament to his strong work ethic and passion for personal growth. Driven by a belief in lifelong learning and self-improvement, Bhim continually seeks new challenges and opportunities to evolve. He thrives in environments that foster curiosity, resilience, and connection, and he looks forward to building relationships with others who share his love for adventure, knowledge, and personal development.

Melina Dhital

Running Coach, Health and Wellness Coordinator, Digital Content Designer

Melina Dhital is a driven and multi-talented undergraduate student at Penn State University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychological Sciences. Her academic journey reflects a deep-rooted interest in the human mind and body—an interest she continues to explore both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to her studies, Melina is a dedicated student-athlete, competing as a long-distance runner on Penn State’s women’s cross country and track & field team. Her discipline and resilience on the track mirror her approach to life—balancing academic rigor, athletic commitment, and meaningful service with remarkable poise. Melina’s passion for helping others is evident through her role as a Project Coordinator at BCH, where she contributes to a suicide prevention and mental health initiative. She also works as a Patient Care Technician at UPMC Harrisburg, gaining hands-on experience in the healthcare field while providing compassionate support to patients. Her efforts highlight a strong commitment to mental and physical well-being within her community. Outside of her academic and healthcare roles, Melina holds a real estate license and works with Iron Valley Real Estate, helping clients navigate the home-buying process. She is also the founder of Snap My Moments, a small photography business inspired by her love for capturing genuine, meaningful moments. Whether she’s behind the camera, on the track, or advocating for mental health, Melina leads with purpose, creativity, and compassion.

Hemanta Adhikari

Program Coordinator, Video Editor

Hemi is a Neuroscience major on the pre-med track at the University of Pennsylvania. She has a strong passion for healthcare, community service, and exploring new experiences. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, cooking, hiking, photography, and trying new foods and hobbies. She loves outdoor adventures and believes in the power of exploration to inspire personal growth and resilience. Through InspiredToExplore, she hopes to connect with others, step outside her comfort zone, and make a meaningful impact.

Dom Acharya

Founding Board Member,
Wilderness First Responder Certified

When Dom Acharya first set foot in Erie, Pennsylvania, he carried more than a suitcase, he carried the weight of displacement and the hope of beginning again. As a newly arrived refugee, the noise of uncertainty often clouded his early days. But it was the gentle hush of waves at Presque Isle, the rustling of leaves along unfamiliar trails, and the vast sky above Lake Erie that offered him a kind of quiet healing he hadn’t known he needed. In nature, Dom found calm. In walking the woods, he found clarity. And in those moments of stillness, a deeper sense of connection began to take root. As he built a life - improving his command of English, studying medicine, and serving his community as a caseworker and later as a healthcare provider, Dom never strayed far from nature. Parks became sanctuaries. Trails became teachers. And over time, he realized that what he had discovered in those early walks wasn’t just personal - it was universal. Everyone, he believed, deserves the chance to feel at home in the outdoors. That belief became the seed for Inspired to Explore. Co-founding the organization was a way to widen the circle to invite others into the forests and fields that had once embraced him. Whether it’s a youth seeing the stars without city lights for the first time, an elder sharing memories beside a campfire, or a healthcare worker finally taking a breath after a hard season, Dom wants every journey to be more than a hike. He wants it to be a shared experience of transformation. With a background in healthcare and a heart shaped by resilience, Dom bridges his professional knowledge with his passion for connection. He brings people from different generations and walks of life: educators, artists, clinicians, students, into dialogue with each other and with nature itself. For Dom, the wilderness is not an escape but an invitation: to reflect, to heal, and to imagine new ways forward. To walk with Dom is to understand that the trail is never just about the destination. It’s about the stories that surface with each step, the conversations sparked by a shared view, and the bridges built between people who may never have met otherwise. And that, at its core, is what Inspired to Explore is all about.