Mission.
An experiential program to spark human flourishing beginning from beauty.
We are made of stardust, that part of the universe that in us becomes aware of itself. We flourish in the warmth and light born in that mysterious moment of self awareness: beauty and awe. Wonder seeks to reestablish beauty as an essential event in peoples’ lives. Through various opportunities to encounter and deeply connect with themselves and the world, we provide adventures and immersion in beautiful settings with flourishing individuals and communities around the world, fostering a journey of self-reflection and growth for the participants.
For thousands of years, artists, philosophers and scientists have connected the beautiful with a longing for meaning. Now we live in a day when convenience, security and personal success have largely displaced beauty as a value.
WONDER brings beauty back.
We flourish when we find our lives in harmony with nature and people, when we become aware of the meaning of the stars, of events, and of ourselves. People who acknowledge and make space for beauty are found to be happier, healthier, and more connected to the world both globally and in their daily lives.
WONDER offers a place to recognize, reflect, interiorize, and share participants’ experiences allowing for a journey of mutual and personal growth.
The world will change by our encounter with beauty.
WONDER is an experiential learning adventure in two parts:
-
Wonder in Nature
provides learning adventures for people in beautiful natural settings.
-
Wonder in People
facilitates experiences of encounter with flourishing individuals and communities.
About The Founder
Ilaria Schnyder
Originally from Lugano, Switzerland, I spent 15 years as an ethnographic researcher at institutions in Milan, Italy, and the University of Notre Dame (USA). My academic work examined resilience, beauty, experiences of struggle and love - human flourishing among displaced populations, refugees, and vulnerable communities across Europe, Africa and Latin America.
Driven by a belief in the restorative power of nature and community, I founded WONDER in 2022—an initiative that combines alpine exploration with meaningful human connection to refresh personal perspectives. Bridging my research background with hands-on experiential leadership, I joined Pepperdine University in 2025 as the Outdoor Coordinator, helping students and community members connect deeply with the natural world and one another.