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History
History
Naomi Ramos-Acosta and Lori Neary, two high school history teachers who were driven by a shared belief that the world itself is the best classroom, dreamed of giving their students the chance to experience the cultures they studied firsthand rather than just reading about them in textbooks. They knew, however, that travel opportunities often came with financial barriers that left many students behind, so they decided to do something about it.
Turning their vision into action, they founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to making global learning accessible, raising funds and building support systems to ensure that students from all backgrounds could join these transformative trips. Through their efforts, history became something students could see, hear, and feel—walking ancient streets, tasting new foods, and connecting with people across cultures—turning abstract lessons into unforgettable, life-shaping experiences.
Who we are
Who we are
Educators and those who have a passion to give back wanting students to experience other countries and cultures.
Board Members
Naomi Ramos-Acosta
Naomi Ramos-Acosta
President & Founder
Naomi Ramos-Acosta's love for history and travel began early, shaped by a childhood spent moving across the country and the world as part of a Army military family. Those formative experiences ignited a fascination with how people, places, and the past are all connected a passion she carried into a 13-year career as a history educator. In the classroom, Naomi discovered that the lessons that stayed with students longest were not the ones read from a textbook, but the ones lived, felt, and experienced firsthand. That belief became the foundation of EPSF. Now transitioning into school administration, Naomi co-founded the Exploration Pathways Scholarship Fund alongside her colleague Lori Neary to ensure that every student regardless of financial background has the opportunity to stand in the places history was made and see the world that shaped it. A proud mom and dedicated wife, Naomi brings that same warmth and intentionality home, where she enjoys spending time with her family, getting lost in a good book, and baking.
Lori Neary
Lori Neary
Vice President & Co Founder
With 23 years in the classroom, Lori brings both experience and heart to everything she does as an educator. Deeply passionate about her work, she is committed to inspiring young minds while creating a supportive, engaging environment for her students. Beyond school, Lori treasures her roles as a devoted wife and a caring presence in the lives of children, always putting family at the center of her world. In her free time, she finds joy in cooking delicious meals, discovering great music, growing her vinyl collection, and exploring new places through travel—bringing that same curiosity and enthusiasm back into her teaching every day.
Khalia Taylor Hart
Khalia Taylor Hart
Chief Goverance Officer
Khalia Taylor Hart brings 14 years of professional experience in government contract administration, legal writing, and legal administration expertise she now channels into strengthening the governance and operational integrity of EPSF. Her path to this work is deeply personal. Raised in a single-parent, working-class household, Khalia understands firsthand what it means to navigate systems that were not designed with you in mind. She became a first-generation college graduate, going on to earn both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees and currently pursuing her doctorate...proof that environment does not determine destination. A foster mother with an unwavering commitment to children's well-being, Khalia joined EPSF because she knows that exposure changes trajectories. She is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to experience the world beyond their circumstances, beat the odds stacked against them, and discover what becomes possible when someone believes in their potential. Outside of her professional and advocacy work, Khalia treasures time with her husband and sons, and finds creative balance through painting, drawing, traveling, and reading.
This could be you!
This could be you!
This could be you!
This could be you!
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