MEET Devyn: Leading with Compassion

Alumni profile: Devyn Lopez

Global Glimpse Alumni: Constanza, Dominican Republic, 2018
Education: University of California, Berkeley BA, Social Welfare
Your Global Glimpse Experience in 3 Words: Broadening, Immersive, and Inclusive

“I think I’m still learning how to be a great leader, but experiences like Global Glimpse truly push us out of our comfort zones in significant ways. These moments can be challenging and uncomfortable, but it’s in places of discomfort that we grow.”

From Global Glimpse traveler to a member of our 2022 Internship cohort and a UC Berkeley graduate with a degree in Social Welfare, Devyn Lopez exemplifies the power of pushing comfort zones and discovering agency through quiet leadership.

But in 2014, Devyn was an extremely shy freshman in high school living in San Jose, California. The oldest sibling and a natural leader at home, she struggled to find her voice and place within her community as she navigated this next chapter of life.

“I think most people in middle and early high school experience the social awkwardness I was feeling. It’s just part of that age when you don’t really know your purpose or where you fit in a group. The difference for me, though, was that I was really quiet, and it impacted how I saw myself and my value.”

Despite being a self-described introvert, Devyn has always had a drive to push past what’s comfortable to grow.

“As a freshman, I started running cross country because I wanted to get more involved. That was the first time I felt really empowered and discovered an inner strength that showed me I could be strong on my own, even if, at times, I was nervous to talk to my teammates. I loved that by trying new things, I was finding myself.”

The next step in Devyn’s journey toward self-agency was signing up for a 30-day backpacking trip to Wyoming with Summer Search, a partner organization of Glimpse Glimpse that supports students from diverse backgrounds through experiential learning. During this adventure, Devyn hiked 115 miles through the backcountry, carrying everything she needed to survive on her back.

“My family is originally from Mexico, and we didn’t grow up camping or hiking, but this sounded like the most challenging yet exciting adventure—a perfect way to keep exploring my curiosities and discovering what I wanted out of life.”

The trip helped Devyn grow in many ways, inspiring her to seek more opportunities to travel with purpose. This led her to Global Glimpse, where she decided to travel to Constanza, Dominican Republic.

How did you make the decision to sign-up for Global Glimpse?

I had just started getting involved in volunteering and helping my community, so the public service aspect of Global Glimpse really stood out to me. I was nervous about meeting new people because I was so shy, but I wanted to keep pushing myself, so I asked to be nominated.

I didn’t really know what to expect, but ultimately, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

“Through my Global Glimpse trip, I realized the importance of public service and that I wanted to spend my life working hands-on to make a meaningful impact on those around me.”

What was the most transformative part of your trip to the Dominican Republic?

I remember this like it was yesterday. For our Community Day, we were split into smaller groups and welcomed into the home of a community member. My family is from Mexico, and I’m bilingual, so I stepped into the role of translator for my group. As an introvert, taking on this leadership role was a big deal for me, but I loved connecting one-on-one with the community member and felt honored to share her story with my group.

During our time together, this woman opened up her home, shared some baked goods, and spoke about her hardships, which I translated for the group. It was such an eye-opening experience; even as she expressed embarrassment about the state of her home, she offered a prayer for our well-being and hoped we would continue to impact people like her in the future. It made me super emotional that, despite sharing her struggles, she still wished the best for our future.

“At that moment, it just clicked for me—I wanted to find a path in life where I could form human connections in that beautiful yet simple way, by showing up for those around me.”

With everything I’ve done since Global Glimpse, this experience has always been a reminder of why I want to help people and the importance of how our interactions and acts of kindness can impact someone else’s life.

Do you think you would have taken on the leadership role as a translator for your group if you hadn’t been bi-lingual?

No, like I said, I was really quiet, but I was incredibly proud of myself for stepping up to share this community member’s story, allowing my group to gain powerful insights into her life.

Whenever I translate, I strive to convey the story as closely to the original as possible. Sure, I could just give a summary, but I want every individual to feel empowered and proud of how I’m sharing their words. This experience was definitely a major moment of leadership growth for me.

How do you think this leadership experience impacted your future?

Through times like these, I also realized that I’m just as capable as those with louder voices of making change and forming powerful connections with others.

For example, I’ve done extensive work in public service and policy roles to reach victims of sexual and domestic violence. While this work can be difficult, I’m driven by my ability to genuinely connect with others and use my voice and education to push for change. In these quiet leadership moments, I know I’m making a difference in someone else’s life.

After you returned home, did you feel like your life continued to be impacted by your travels?

Absolutely. When I left for my Global Glimpse trip, I thought I wanted to be a lawyer. But when I returned, I realized I was more interested in a one-on-one, community-focused career where I could share in daily human connections.

After graduating high school, I initially thought this path might lead to becoming a teacher or something similar. However, as I explored my options, a degree in Social Welfare felt like the best way to channel my passions.

I also chose UC Berkeley because they offered an incredible program where, instead of starting my freshman year on campus, I would spend it studying abroad in London. Travel allowed me to grow in so many ways, and I knew I wanted to take advantage of every opportunity that came my way.

Outside of your professional work, what have been some of the rewarding parts of being a leader in your community?

Any time I can, I look for ways to participate in community engagement. Public speaking doesn’t come naturally to me, and I always feel nervous, but I remember how important travel and experiences like Global Glimpse have been for me. So, I push myself to tell my story and connect with those around me.

A few weeks ago, there was a College Day at a middle school in my local community. I was really nervous going in because I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when I started talking about my travel experiences in college and high school, the kids were amazed. Most of them had no idea that opportunities like this existed and were possible for them—and that’s the really exciting part!

“If I can, in even a small way, plant the seed that these experiences are possible for these kids in my community, then it’s incredibly powerful.”

I’m just grateful that I learned about Global Glimpse when I did and that my mom was supportive of the adventure I wanted to go on to find my path. If I can help another student have experiences like mine, then I’ve been successful.

What would you tell another student thinking about going on a Global Glimpse trip?

This can be tricky, especially for introverts like myself, but I would emphasize that while it’s hard to step out of your comfort zone, little by little, you’ll realize that everyone else is doing the same thing. I would also remind them that this is exactly where growth happens! Feeling uncomfortable in these situations is normal, but it’s temporary. The gains you make are monumental and will last a lifetime.