Building Belonging: From Seeking to Leading
When you meet Dulce Vasquez, a senior at Garfield High School, the first thing you notice is their calm presence. They aren’t the loudest person in the room or the first to jump into the spotlight—but they’re the person others turn to when they need support, someone to talk to, or just a steady voice they can trust.
What most don’t see is the determination behind every step of Dulce’s journey, much of it quietly tucked behind humility.
From Finding Community to Building It
Dulce joined the very first cohort of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle’s RARE Connections Program as a shy student hoping to find community and build friendships. Like many teens navigating high school during a time of social disconnection, they were looking for a place where they could feel seen and supported.
A year and a half later, Dulce has become one of the program’s most influential student leaders.
The Connections Program creates welcoming spaces where students feel respected, heard, and empowered. Dulce not only found that environment, they helped build it.
Starting as a thoughtful participant, they showed up with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Over time, they became someone their peers relied on, leading by listening and observation. They supported others quietly from the background, helping them feel comfortable during meetups and field trips.
Eventually, Dulce became that steady, reliable presence the group could always count on, someone who strengthens the room just by being in it.
Even after completing their service-learning hours, Dulce stayed on. Voluntarily, they stepped up as a program leader, guiding new participants, mentoring peers, and supporting the program that helped them grow. Today, that support extends beyond the program and outward into their school community, whether it’s talking with a new student sitting alone at lunch or assisting classmates with language translation. In every space, Dulce shows up the same way: consistently, thoughtfully, and ready to support those around them.
Taking Leadership Nationwide
In 2025, Dulce’s leadership reached a new level. They were selected as one of just 15 students nationwide to serve on the National Urban League Youth Council—a role developed under the Urban League’s Project Ready initiative to give young people a real voice in shaping national youth programming.
They also represented their peers at the 2025 National Urban League Youth Summit, bringing their perspective as a student leader to a national stage. It’s a big role—but Dulce steps into it with the same patience, humility, and quiet confidence that define them.
A Story Worth Celebrating
Dulce’s journey is exactly what the RARE Connections Program hopes to cultivate.
A transformation from seeking belonging to creating it for others.
Their compassion, dependability, and perseverance have made them a pillar in their school community and an essential part of the program’s success.
As they prepare for their next chapter beyond high school, one thing is clear: Dulce is already leading. They are already making a difference.
And their story is a powerful reminder that staying true to oneself matters—and that there are many ways to lead.
