LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCES
Our Story
Our Story
Our Story
Our Story
As kids and teens grow, so do we, for over 10 years we have evolved our programs to support young generations and their communities beyond borders
As kids and teens grow, so do we, for over 10 years we have evolved our programs to support young generations and their communities beyond borders
As kids and teens grow, so do we, for over 10 years we have evolved our programs to support young generations and their communities beyond borders
As kids and teens grow, so do we, for over 10 years we have evolved our programs to support young generations and their communities beyond borders
Our Evolution
Our Evolution
Our Evolution
Our Evolution
We have evolved from leading adventure travels and journalist expeditions across Latin America to building greenhouses and running programs. By combining knowledge and experience, we believe there is no limit to breaking barriers and opening new paths.
We have evolved from leading adventure travels and journalist expeditions across Latin America to building greenhouses and running programs. By combining knowledge and experience, we believe there is no limit to breaking barriers and opening new paths.
We have evolved from leading adventure travels and journalist expeditions across Latin America to building greenhouses and running programs. By combining knowledge and experience, we believe there is no limit to breaking barriers and opening new paths.
We have evolved from leading adventure travels and journalist expeditions across Latin America to building greenhouses and running programs. By combining knowledge and experience, we believe there is no limit to breaking barriers and opening new paths.
Our Beginnings
Our Beginnings
Our Beginnings
Our Beginnings
The initial version of DKYL was DNTUlimit and it was founded by Samoel Suarez, specialized in experiential education and behavior by leading social-tourism projects for nonprofit organizations and journalist expeditions back in 2004.
The initial version of DKYL was DNTUlimit and it was founded by Samoel Suarez, specialized in experiential education and behavior by leading social-tourism projects for nonprofit organizations and journalist expeditions back in 2004.
The initial version of DKYL was DNTUlimit and it was founded by Samoel Suarez, specialized in experiential education and behavior by leading social-tourism projects for nonprofit organizations and journalist expeditions back in 2004.
The initial version of DKYL was DNTUlimit and it was founded by Samoel Suarez, specialized in experiential education and behavior by leading social-tourism projects for nonprofit organizations and journalist expeditions back in 2004.
Our Rebirth
Our
Rebirth
Our Rebirth
Our Rebirth
After a pause, the project was revived in 2013 with Emily Melden, an expert in environmental education and public administration. Together, they launched the first “Travel project", initially establishing themselves as an organization in 2014.
After a pause, the project was revived in 2013 with Emily Melden, an expert in environmental education and public administration. Together, they launched the first “Travel project", initially establishing themselves as an organization in 2014.
After a pause, the project was revived in 2013 with Emily Melden, an expert in environmental education and public administration. Together, they launched the first “Travel project", initially establishing themselves as an organization in 2014.
After a pause, the project was revived in 2013 with Emily Melden, an expert in environmental education and public administration. Together, they launched the first “Travel project", initially establishing themselves as an organization in 2014.
Expanding the project across Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela and Argentina over the next few years, they combined adventure, social work and collaborative projects, gaining insights into diverse cultural and social realities. Engaging with various communities and witnessing transformative life experiences in early students guided their return to the USA for the development of teachable programs.
The journey inspired DNTUlimit to become “Don’t Know Your Limit” and since becoming a 501(c)(3) organization we help young generations to access better opportunities regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Expanding the project across Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela and Argentina over the next few years, they combined adventure, social work and collaborative projects, gaining insights into diverse cultural and social realities. Engaging with various communities and witnessing transformative life experiences in early students guided their return to the USA for the development of teachable programs.
The journey inspired DNTUlimit to become “Don’t Know Your Limit” and since becoming a 501(c)(3) organization we help young generations to access better opportunities regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Expanding the project across Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela and Argentina over the next few years, they combined adventure, social work and collaborative projects, gaining insights into diverse cultural and social realities. Engaging with various communities and witnessing transformative life experiences in early students guided their return to the USA for the development of teachable programs.
The journey inspired DNTUlimit to become “Don’t Know Your Limit” and since becoming a 501(c)(3) organization we help young generations to access better opportunities regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Expanding the project across Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela and Argentina over the next few years, they combined adventure, social work and collaborative projects, gaining insights into diverse cultural and social realities. Engaging with various communities and witnessing transformative life experiences in early students guided their return to the USA for the development of teachable programs.
The journey inspired DNTUlimit to become “Don’t Know Your Limit” and since becoming a 501(c)(3) organization we help young generations to access better opportunities regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Our Team
Our Team
Our Team
Our Team
Emily Melden
Founder / Executive Director
Emily Melden
Emily Melden
Founder / Executive Director
Emily is one of the co-founders of DKYL in 2014.
Over the years, she has focused on environmental education and developing programs that make a difference. She has worked with nonprofits both in Lima, Peru, and in Massachusetts, especially on initiatives related to sustainable agriculture and improving access to education for immigrant teenagers.
Emily studied Spanish at George Washington University and later earned a postgraduate certificate in Public Administration and Leadership from
UMass Lowell. She is the Executive Director of DKYL, so she provides internal support and leadership for the organization’s day-to-day operations.
Emily is one of the co-founders of DKYL in 2014.
Over the years, she has focused on environmental education and developing programs that
make a difference. She has worked with nonprofits both in Lima, Peru, and in Massachusetts, especially on initiatives related to sustainable agriculture and improving access to education for immigrant teenagers.
Emily studied Spanish at George Washington University and later earned a postgraduate certificate in Public Administration and Leadership from UMass Lowell. She is the Executive Director of DKYL, so she provides internal support and leadership for the organization’s day-to-day operations.
Emily is one of the co-founders of DKYL in 2014. Over the years, she has focused on environmental education and developing programs that make a difference. She has worked with nonprofits both in Lima, Peru, and in Massachusetts, especially on initiatives related to sustainable agriculture and improving access to education
for immigrant teenagers.
Emily studied Spanish at George Washington University and later earned a postgraduate certificate in Public Administration and Leadership from UMass Lowell. She is the Executive Director of DKYL, so she provides internal support and leadership for the organization’s day-to-day operations.
Emily is one of the co-founders of DKYL in 2014. Over the years, she has focused on environmental education and developing programs that make a difference. She has worked with nonprofits both in Lima, Peru, and in Massachusetts, especially on initiatives related to sustainable agriculture and improving access to education for immigrant teenagers.
Emily studied Spanish at George Washington University and later earned a postgraduate certificate in Public Administration and Leadership from
UMass Lowell. She is the Executive Director of DKYL, so she provides internal support and leadership for the organization’s day-to-day operations.
Emily Melden
Founder / Executive Director
Samoel S. Exebio
Samoel S. Exebio
Samoel S. Exebio
Founder / Program Director
With over 20 years of experience, Sam has led journalist expeditions, adventure and social-tourism projects for nonprofits and adventure groups across Central and South America. Since co-founding DKYL in 2014, he has applied his expertise in leadership and program design to create meaningful cultural exchanges and community engagement.
He graduated from George Mason University in leadership and organizational performance, and he is completing a psychology degree at Salem State University. Sam also holds various certifications in Experiential Education.
As a Program Director, he uses his expertise to create adaptable programs that support development and sustainability.
With over 20 years of experience, Sam has led journalist expeditions, adventure and social-tourism projects for nonprofits and adventure groups across Central and South America. Since co-founding DKYL in 2014, he has applied his expertise in leadership and program design to create meaningful cultural exchanges and community engagement.
He graduated from George Mason University in leadership and organizational performance, and he is completing a psychology degree at Salem State University. Sam also holds various certifications in Experiential Education.
As a Program Director, he uses his expertise to create adaptable programs that support development and sustainability.
With over 20 years of experience, Sam has led journalist expeditions, adventure and social-tourism projects for nonprofits and adventure groups across Central and South America. Since co-founding DKYL in 2014, he has applied his expertise in leadership and program design to create meaningful cultural exchanges and community engagement.
He graduated from George Mason University in leadership and organizational performance, and he is completing a psychology degree at Salem State University. Sam also holds various certifications in Experiential Education.
As a Program Director, he uses his expertise to create adaptable programs that support development and sustainability.
With over 20 years of experience, Sam has led journalist expeditions, adventure and social-tourism projects for nonprofits and adventure groups across Central and South America. Since co-founding DKYL in 2014, he has applied his expertise in leadership and program design to create meaningful cultural exchanges and community engagement.
He graduated from George Mason University in leadership and organizational performance, and he is completing a psychology degree at Salem State University. Sam also holds various certifications in Experiential Education.
As a Program Director, he uses his expertise to create adaptable programs that support development and sustainability.
Elley Pallatuci
Elley Pallatuci
Elley Pallatuci
Board Member / Non profit Consultant
Elley has been supporting DKYL since its founding and brings over 14 years of experience serving in the nonprofit field. She started her career at
the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, taking on roles from educator to manager. Afterward, she worked as Educational Manager at Thinkery,
Austin!s Children!s Museum.
Back in New England, she settled in Beverly, MA, and worked with Mass Audubon and Change Is Simple, while also starting her own nonprofit consulting business. With a strong passion for the outdoors and youth development, Elley plays a key role in supporting DKYL!s mission.
Elley has been supporting DKYL since its founding and brings over 14 years of experience serving in the nonprofit field. She started her career at
the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, taking on roles from educator to manager. Afterward, she worked as Educational Manager at Thinkery,
Austin!s Children!s Museum.
Back in New England, she settled in Beverly, MA, and worked with Mass Audubon and Change Is Simple, while also starting her own nonprofit consulting business. With a strong passion for the outdoors and youth development, Elley plays a key role in supporting DKYL!s mission.
Kimberly Carlin
Kimberly Carlin
Kimberly Carlin
Board Member / Biologist
Kim is been with DKYL for a long time—she actually started as an intern back in 2014 and played a big role in its growth as a program leader until 2019.
She is a nature enthusiast with a deep understanding of ecosystems and the balance between people and the environment. Now on the DKYL Board, Kim as one of the board directors provides valuable insights into the organization!s programs and values.
Kim is been with DKYL for a long time—she actually started as an intern back in 2014 and played a big role in its growth as a program leader until 2019.
She is a nature enthusiast with a deep understanding of ecosystems and the balance between people and the environment. Now on the DKYL Board, Kim as one of the board directors provides valuable insights into the organization!s programs and values.
Mona Savastano
Mona Savastano
Mona Savastano
Board Member / Program Director of
Upward Bound Salem State Universiy
Mona is an experienced Program Director with a strong background in higher education. She!s skilled in nonprofit work, student recruitment, coaching, and academic advising, Mona has been collaborating with DKYL since 2015.
After graduating from the New England School of Law with a focus on business development, she combined her legal expertise with a passion for education to develop programs for non-traditional students. Her mentoring and coaching have helped many students achieve their academic and career goals in supportive, success-driven environments. Mona as one of the board directors brings all that experience to support DKYL’s mission.
Mona is an experienced Program Director with a strong background in higher education. She!s skilled in nonprofit work, student recruitment, coaching, and academic advising, Mona has been collaborating with DKYL since 2015.
After graduating from the New England School of Law with a focus on business development, she combined her legal expertise with a passion for education to develop programs for non-traditional students. Her mentoring and coaching have helped many students achieve their academic and career goals in supportive, success-driven environments. Mona as one of the board directors brings all that experience to support DKYL’s mission.
Registered 501 (c)3
Nonprofit, MA
© Copyright 2025
All rights reserved
Registered 501 (c)3
Nonprofit, MA
© Copyright 2025
All rights reserved
Registered 501 (c)3
Nonprofit, MA
© Copyright 2025
All rights reserved
