We recently welcomed Hillary Cardama, an Aspire Leaders Program alumna from the Peruvian Amazon city of Iquitos, to our Cambridge offices. Hillary’s visit was part of her month-long journey across the United States as a participant in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.
This prestigious opportunity grew from her impactful volunteer work with USAID in Peru, demonstrating how local action can open doors to global leadership. A poised and inspiring young leader and a proud first-generation graduate, Hillary sat down with us to share her remarkable journey.
Early Challenges and Education
“Growing up was tough,” Hillary shared. Raised by a single mother, the absence of typical childhood moments—like having her father pick her up from school—left an indelible mark on her early years. Faced with challenges early on, she emerged determined and resilient. “I channeled all the feelings that I had and put it towards academics,” she reflected.
Her dedication earned her a full scholarship to a Catholic high school, and she went on to study English at an academy. The COVID-19 pandemic brought fresh challenges when her stepfather passed away, thrusting her into the role of family breadwinner. “I had to juggle studies, work, and activism,” she explained, describing the delicate balance she maintained while pursuing her education.
Despite these obstacles, Hillary persevered, graduating with a degree in International Business and Tourism from the National University of the Peruvian Amazon—the only public university in Iquitos. Her proficiency in English opened doors to meaningful work, including translation services for NGOs as well as fellowships. This combination of academic achievement and practical experience makes her proud.
Aspire Leaders Program Experience
Hillary’s path to the Aspire Leaders Program began unexpectedly. “When I was 16 years old, I applied for the International Baccalaureate program,” she recalls. “I wasn’t selected, but I kept in contact with a lot of alumni from that program.” Through these connections and their active WhatsApp groups for first-generation students, she learned about the Aspire Leaders Program’s 2022 application cycle.
Initially daunted by the program, Hillary soon found her stride. “With every test I was doing, I felt more comfortable with it,” she shares. “I did the courses very slowly, trying to grasp as much knowledge as possible.” The program’s flexibility proved invaluable as she balanced her translation work with her studies. “I was able to choose the masterclasses that I wanted, so I was choosing them very consciously based on the things I wanted to improve or learn.” This customized approach allowed her to maximize both her learning and professional growth.
International Visitor Leadership Program Experience
Hillary’s selection for the International Visitor Leadership Program came through her dedication to public service: “I’ve been volunteering since 2021 in a USAID project, supervising public works, construction and working against corrupt practices. As a young leader, I was empowering myself in public management. I feel like my life has a beginning after this project—I am more aware of the things I want to do now.”
Her path to the program tested her persistence. After selecting her initially, there was confusion regarding her eligibility, which led to the offer being revoked. “When they first told me I wasn’t eligible, I was crying because I wanted that opportunity. But I didn’t give up. I reached out to people I knew at the U.S. Embassy to check the eligibility requirements. Eventually, they called back saying I was eligible after all.”
She was part of a 7-member visitor delegation from Peru that visited Washington, D.C., Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, and Miami. Reflecting on her U.S. visit she shares, “It’s not like what you see in the movies. People like me, from a developing country, see the United States as so developed and with a lot of resources. It has resources, but not everything is all flowers and colorful.”
Her observations were nuanced: “I appreciated the diversity that the United States has, compared to Peru. One cultural shock was that water is free in restaurants in America, whereas in Peru we have to purchase it. I also saw many homeless people in different parts of Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. It was quite shocking, but I told myself, ‘I have to be open-minded to these experiences.’ To become a world citizen, you have to be aware of all the struggles that people have.”
Looking Ahead
Hillary’s vision for the future is both personal and community-focused: “I feel like all the connections I made in the United States put me one step ahead of others. I want to create more meaningful and impactful projects to help not only first-generation students but also young people so they can believe in themselves and contribute to a better world. I didn’t think I was going to get to go to the United States so soon, but it happened because I was doing this volunteer work. That’s how opportunities come.”
