Shirley Staten is a co-founder and currently serves as President and Community Relations (2025–2027) of Young Explorers Abroad, a nonprofit committed to helping underserved youth ages 15–21 obtain their first passports and develop the skills and confidence to travel internationally.

Shirley began her travel journey in her 20s and has since explored 28 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and 4 continents. Her experiences include visits to China, Paris, Ghana, Nigeria, and memorable work projects in Romania and Slovakia, which inspired her passion for the possibilities of working internationally. She has also embraced solo travel, with enriching trips to Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Barcelona, and Madrid (Spain).

Among her many adventures, Shirley’s favorite destination has been Belize, where she enjoyed a tranquil atmosphere and indulged in outdoor activities including scuba diving. She is also actively pursuing her personal goal of visiting as many countries in Africa as possible, having already experienced 7 of Africa’s 55 nations.

Through her decades of travel, Shirley has witnessed firsthand how exploration fosters confidence, resilience, and cultural appreciation. With her leadership in Young Explorers Abroad, she is committed to sharing that vision and encouraging young adults to step boldly into the world and discover its limitless opportunities.