Groundbreaker Alumni: How Trek Transforms Student Lives (Part 2)

From Detroit to Boston, buildOn alumni continue to prove that when students serve abroad, they return with lasting impact. In Part 1 of our Groundbreaker Alumni blog series, we met Gaby, Adolfo, and Penelope, alumni whose Treks to Nepal and Haiti transformed their perspectives on service, education, and connection. Now, meet two more powerful alumni whose stories remind us why global experiences like Trek are essential for building the next generation of compassionate leaders.

Dionta Brown: Finding Community—and Purpose—Through Service

For Dionta Brown, joining buildOn in Detroit wasn’t just about volunteering—it was about finding connection. “I was really looking for community. As an only child, I craved that,” he reflects. What started as a way to meet people quickly grew into a deeper purpose.

From serving meals in soup kitchens to helping veterans set up a technology center, service opened his eyes to the power of giving back.“We were helping people who served this country but felt forgotten. That really resonated with me,” Dionta says.

Trek took that impact global. As a high schooler, Dionta journeyed to Nicaragua—his first time flying and traveling abroad. More than the physical challenge, it was the emotional experience that stuck with him. “The gratitude we were met with was unforgettable. They were so thankful we came all that way to help build a school.”

Years later, on an alumni Trek to Nepal, Dionta met a woman whose story mirrored systemic injustices he recognized from his own life in the U.S. Trapped in servitude due to a predatory loan, she eventually escaped and dedicated herself to ensuring her children received an education. “As a Black man in America, I understood what it meant to be taken advantage of,” Dionta says. “That connection reminded me why education matters so deeply.”

“That connection reminded me why education matters so deeply.” —Dionta Brown, buildOn Alum

Today, Dionta works at Apple, where he leads community engagement efforts. He even hopes to plan a volunteer partnership between Apple and buildOn—bringing his Trek journey full circle.

Sarah Quinones-Myers: Leading with Gratitude and Service

Sarah Quinones-Myers joined buildOn in Boston because her friends and favorite teacher were already involved—but it was the service that truly stuck with her. One moment she’ll never forget: guiding a blind student named Moe through a Boston 5K. “We came in last, but we had a blast. His laughter was so contagious,” she remembers. “It showed me how joy and impact go hand in hand.”

On Trek, Sarah traveled to Malawi, where she was inspired by the strength and resilience of the women she met. “They were lifting bricks, carrying water up hills with babies on their backs. It was incredible,” she says. “Their dedication to building the school showed just how much it meant to them.”

Sarah expected to learn about another culture—but she didn’t expect to feel such a deep connection. A young boy in her host village followed her everywhere, helping however he could. “He became like a little brother to me,” she says. “That bond really meant a lot.”

Now working in volunteer services at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Sarah continues to live out the lessons Trek taught her. “My host family had so little, but they were so full of gratitude. That’s stayed with me. It reminded me that happiness isn’t about what you have—it’s about how you care for others.”

“Trek reminded me that happiness isn’t about what you have—it’s about how you care for others.” —Sarah Quinones-Myers, buildOn Alum

Why Trek Matters

Like Dionta and Sarah, every student who goes on Trek returns with more than memories. They gain confidence, connection, and clarity about their role in building a better world.

This month, buildOn is raising $20,000 to send the next generation of Groundbreakers on Trek. You can help them take the journey of a lifetime—and return with the tools to lead, serve, and inspire.

Will you send a Groundbreaker on Trek?