about us
We empower students' lives.
Re:UNITED Travel Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that provides immersive overseas travel opportunities for deserving youth in underserved communities. Our team is made up of a diverse group of volunteers who, through travel, have developed a broader worldview, social consciousness, and empathy to all those around them.
100% of every trip is provided at no cost to participants.
These trips are entirely funded by the generosity of our donors. From airfare and ground transportation to activities and all meals, this ensures that students incur no expenses. Donations are vital to our organization, enabling us to continue offering these valuable experiences. Your support directly impacts the lives of our participants, making each trip possible.
Our mission
Re:UNITED Travel Inc. is dedicated to empowering young individuals through enriching travel experiences, fostering global awareness, and cultural understanding. Our mission is to provide access to educational travel opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to grow, connect, and learn beyond their immediate environments.
Our VISION
Re:UNITED Travel Inc. envisions a world where all young people have the opportunity to broaden their horizons through travel, gaining a deeper understanding of global cultures and fostering a sense of unity and empathy across diverse communities.
Our team
Architects of the Future
Re:UNITED Travel Inc. is creating meaningful change by providing students from underserved communities with transformative travel experiences that expand their worldviews and enhance their educational opportunities.
President & Founder
Shaun Carter
Shaun Carter
Shaun began a career in Management Consulting after completing a Supply Chain Management MBA at Loyola University Chicago – Quinlan School of Business. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia College, Chicago. Since completing both programs, he has worked across nonprofit, cybersecurity, financial services, and insurance reinsurance industries.
Shaun served in the United States Air Force where he gained experiences grounded in leadership, personnel/physical security, and people engagement/communication. Assignments include: Thule Air Force Base – Qaanaaq, Greenland, a seven-month deployment to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and two years at RAF Lakenheath, England.
In 2023, Shaun launched re:UNITED Travel Inc., a nonprofit aimed at providing children in underserved communities with access to quality education through international travel.
Board work includes Howard Brown Health, where he serves as a Member at Large for the Finance and Governance committees, as well as Chairman of the Executive Search Committee.
In his free time, he enjoys traveling abroad, nonfiction reading, long distance running, playing piano, and learning Spanish.
Shaun began a career in Management Consulting after completing a Supply Chain Management MBA at Loyola University Chicago – Quinlan School of Business. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia College, Chicago. Since completing both programs, he has worked across nonprofit, cybersecurity, financial services, and insurance reinsurance industries.
Shaun served in the United States Air Force where he gained experiences grounded in leadership, personnel/physical security, and people engagement/communication. Assignments include: Thule Air Force Base – Qaanaaq, Greenland, a seven-month deployment to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and two years at RAF Lakenheath, England.
In 2023, Shaun launched re:UNITED Travel Inc., a nonprofit aimed at providing children in underserved communities with access to quality education through international travel.
Board work includes Howard Brown Health, where he serves as a Member at Large for the Finance and Governance committees, as well as Chairman of the Executive Search Committee.
In his free time, he enjoys traveling abroad, nonfiction reading, long distance running, playing piano, and learning Spanish.
Shaun began a career in Management Consulting after completing a Supply Chain Management MBA at Loyola University Chicago – Quinlan School of Business. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia College, Chicago. Since completing both programs, he has worked across nonprofit, cybersecurity, financial services, and insurance reinsurance industries.
Shaun served in the United States Air Force where he gained experiences grounded in leadership, personnel/physical security, and people engagement/communication. Assignments include: Thule Air Force Base – Qaanaaq, Greenland, a seven-month deployment to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and two years at RAF Lakenheath, England.
In 2023, Shaun launched re:UNITED Travel Inc., a nonprofit aimed at providing children in underserved communities with access to quality education through international travel.
Board work includes Howard Brown Health, where he serves as a Member at Large for the Finance and Governance committees, as well as Chairman of the Executive Search Committee.
In his free time, he enjoys traveling abroad, nonfiction reading, long distance running, playing piano, and learning Spanish.
MARKETING DIRECTOR & BOARD MEMBER
Allan Nacapuy
Allan Nacapuy
Allan Nacapuy
Allan Nacapuy is a forward-thinking entrepreneur and dynamic leader, currently holding the position of CEO and Founder of 312 Advisors, a digital marketing agency known for its expertise in website and graphic design, catering primarily to small businesses. His professional journey extends into the legal sector, where he excels as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer for select clients. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Allan gained substantial experience across various industries, including legal, engineering, and publication.
A dedicated lifelong learner, Allan recently completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, a testament to his commitment to entrepreneurship. He plays a critical role in re:UNITED Travel Inc., both as a Board Member and the Director of Marketing, contributing significantly to its growth. Additionally, Allan volunteers his time and expertise with the American Marketing Association and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, further solidifying his influence in the field. Recognized for his acumen, he served on the judging panel for the prestigious 30th Annual Communicator Awards, celebrating innovative communication.
Outside of his professional life, Allan enjoys traveling the world with his husband, embracing the joy of exploration and new experiences.
Allan Nacapuy is a forward-thinking entrepreneur and dynamic leader, currently holding the position of CEO and Founder of 312 Advisors, a digital marketing agency known for its expertise in website and graphic design, catering primarily to small businesses. His professional journey extends into the legal sector, where he excels as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer for select clients. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Allan gained substantial experience across various industries, including legal, engineering, and publication.
A dedicated lifelong learner, Allan recently completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, a testament to his commitment to entrepreneurship. He plays a critical role in re:UNITED Travel Inc., both as a Board Member and the Director of Marketing, contributing significantly to its growth. Additionally, Allan volunteers his time and expertise with the American Marketing Association and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, further solidifying his influence in the field. Recognized for his acumen, he served on the judging panel for the prestigious 30th Annual Communicator Awards, celebrating innovative communication.
Outside of his professional life, Allan enjoys traveling the world with his husband, embracing the joy of exploration and new experiences.
Allan Nacapuy is a forward-thinking entrepreneur and dynamic leader, currently holding the position of CEO and Founder of 312 Advisors, a digital marketing agency known for its expertise in website and graphic design, catering primarily to small businesses. His professional journey extends into the legal sector, where he excels as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer for select clients. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Allan gained substantial experience across various industries, including legal, engineering, and publication.
A dedicated lifelong learner, Allan recently completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, a testament to his commitment to entrepreneurship. He plays a critical role in re:UNITED Travel Inc., both as a Board Member and the Director of Marketing, contributing significantly to its growth. Additionally, Allan volunteers his time and expertise with the American Marketing Association and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, further solidifying his influence in the field. Recognized for his acumen, he served on the judging panel for the prestigious 30th Annual Communicator Awards, celebrating innovative communication.
Outside of his professional life, Allan enjoys traveling the world with his husband, embracing the joy of exploration and new experiences.
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Nathan Bolden
Dr. Nathan Bolden
Dr. Nathan Bolden
Dr. Nathan Bolden is a physician who holds a board certification in Internal Medicine – with specific interests in infectious diseases and cardiology as well as data analytics for quality improvement and patient safety. He currently works as a Hospitalist for Duly Health & Care, where he serves as the clinical site lead at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, IL.
In 2008 he obtained a medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed his Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago in 2012.
Nathan enjoys fitness including weight training and tennis, travel anywhere and often, seeing a good musical, and the daily NYT crossword.
Dr. Nathan Bolden is a physician who holds a board certification in Internal Medicine – with specific interests in infectious diseases and cardiology as well as data analytics for quality improvement and patient safety. He currently works as a Hospitalist for Duly Health & Care, where he serves as the clinical site lead at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, IL.
In 2008 he obtained a medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed his Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago in 2012.
Nathan enjoys fitness including weight training and tennis, travel anywhere and often, seeing a good musical, and the daily NYT crossword.
Dr. Nathan Bolden is a physician who holds a board certification in Internal Medicine – with specific interests in infectious diseases and cardiology as well as data analytics for quality improvement and patient safety. He currently works as a Hospitalist for Duly Health & Care, where he serves as the clinical site lead at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, IL.
In 2008 he obtained a medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed his Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago in 2012.
Nathan enjoys fitness including weight training and tennis, travel anywhere and often, seeing a good musical, and the daily NYT crossword.
BOARD MEMBER
Shelly Johns
Shelly Johns
Shelly Johns
Shelly is a Chicago native and a full-time Management Consultant for a global professional services and information technology firm where she works within the company’s Talent & Organization practice.
Shelly holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Prior to her career in consulting, she worked in the finance, insurance, and risk management industries.
Shelly has served in the Illinois Army National Guard for nearly 22 years, where she gained experiences grounded in leadership, logistics & operations, risk & incident management, diplomacy, and communication. Her deployments include: 14 months at Log Base Seitz, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; 12 months at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and 13 months in Texas in support of the Southwest Border Mission. She has served in leadership roles ranging from Team and Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Operations NCO, to Company First Sergeant (1SG).
Shelly is deeply committed to organizations that provide mentorship, a safe space to heal, and camaraderie & team building. She has been a board member of the Veterans of Log Base Seitz, NFP since 2016, previously serving in roles of Treasurer and Secretary, and currently serving as the Vice Commander. Beginning in 2023, Shelly became a mentor in Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Chicago.
In her free time, Shelly enjoys spending time with her two nephews, taking long walks along Lake Michigan, traveling abroad, camping in her RV, and playing with her two Chihuahuas.
Shelly is a Chicago native and a full-time Management Consultant for a global professional services and information technology firm where she works within the company’s Talent & Organization practice.
Shelly holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Prior to her career in consulting, she worked in the finance, insurance, and risk management industries.
Shelly has served in the Illinois Army National Guard for nearly 22 years, where she gained experiences grounded in leadership, logistics & operations, risk & incident management, diplomacy, and communication. Her deployments include: 14 months at Log Base Seitz, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; 12 months at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and 13 months in Texas in support of the Southwest Border Mission. She has served in leadership roles ranging from Team and Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Operations NCO, to Company First Sergeant (1SG).
Shelly is deeply committed to organizations that provide mentorship, a safe space to heal, and camaraderie & team building. She has been a board member of the Veterans of Log Base Seitz, NFP since 2016, previously serving in roles of Treasurer and Secretary, and currently serving as the Vice Commander. Beginning in 2023, Shelly became a mentor in Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Chicago.
In her free time, Shelly enjoys spending time with her two nephews, taking long walks along Lake Michigan, traveling abroad, camping in her RV, and playing with her two Chihuahuas.
Shelly is a Chicago native and a full-time Management Consultant for a global professional services and information technology firm where she works within the company’s Talent & Organization practice.
Shelly holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Prior to her career in consulting, she worked in the finance, insurance, and risk management industries.
Shelly has served in the Illinois Army National Guard for nearly 22 years, where she gained experiences grounded in leadership, logistics & operations, risk & incident management, diplomacy, and communication. Her deployments include: 14 months at Log Base Seitz, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; 12 months at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and 13 months in Texas in support of the Southwest Border Mission. She has served in leadership roles ranging from Team and Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Operations NCO, to Company First Sergeant (1SG).
Shelly is deeply committed to organizations that provide mentorship, a safe space to heal, and camaraderie & team building. She has been a board member of the Veterans of Log Base Seitz, NFP since 2016, previously serving in roles of Treasurer and Secretary, and currently serving as the Vice Commander. Beginning in 2023, Shelly became a mentor in Big Brothers Big Sisters Metro Chicago.
In her free time, Shelly enjoys spending time with her two nephews, taking long walks along Lake Michigan, traveling abroad, camping in her RV, and playing with her two Chihuahuas.
BOARD MEMBER
Shon Pagel
Shon Pagel
Shon Pagel
Shon, a Michigan native currently living in Chicago, is a marketing and brand positioning professional with a heavy focus on developing and managing new campaigns as well as in-designing full-service marketing plans tailored to consumer needs. She has experience working with both internal and external teams to execute programming, as well as developing program briefs and calendars to maintain the overall health of a project’s life cycle.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree, Business Administration and Management from Xavier University located in New Orleans, LA.
A growing list of hobbies include playing tennis, traveling, running, and attending live concerts.
Shon is a wife and mother to three beautiful young children.
Shon, a Michigan native currently living in Chicago, is a marketing and brand positioning professional with a heavy focus on developing and managing new campaigns as well as in-designing full-service marketing plans tailored to consumer needs. She has experience working with both internal and external teams to execute programming, as well as developing program briefs and calendars to maintain the overall health of a project’s life cycle.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree, Business Administration and Management from Xavier University located in New Orleans, LA.
A growing list of hobbies include playing tennis, traveling, running, and attending live concerts.
Shon is a wife and mother to three beautiful young children.
BOARD MEMBER
Kerry Straub
Kerry Straub
Kerry Straub
Kerry lives in Chicago and works for Morningstar Inc., where she leads the Risk and Control Team for the US Wealth Platform. With 18 years in the financial industry, she has built and managed multiple teams across Wealth and Asset Management groups for high-net-worth individuals and institutions. Throughout her career she has led key initiatives in firm wide policy and procedure, mergers and acquisitions, and structural reorganization.
Kerry holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Loyola University Chicago. As an avid theater enthusiast, she formerly acted as Board Treasurer for The American Blues Theater in Chicago. In her free time, she enjoys adventurous travel both in the states and abroad, costume design, playing piano, reading autobiographies and memoirs, and playing with her rescue dog Tucci.
Kerry lives in Chicago and works for Morningstar Inc., where she leads the Risk and Control Team for the US Wealth Platform. With 18 years in the financial industry, she has built and managed multiple teams across Wealth and Asset Management groups for high-net-worth individuals and institutions. Throughout her career she has led key initiatives in firm wide policy and procedure, mergers and acquisitions, and structural reorganization.
Kerry holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Loyola University Chicago. As an avid theater enthusiast, she formerly acted as Board Treasurer for The American Blues Theater in Chicago. In her free time, she enjoys adventurous travel both in the states and abroad, costume design, playing piano, reading autobiographies and memoirs, and playing with her rescue dog Tucci.