Groundbreakers: How Trek Is Shaping Future Leaders (Part 2)

buildOn students don’t just talk about change—they lead it. Whether serving meals at shelters, cleaning up neglected streets, or lifting each other up across language barriers, these young leaders are making a difference in their communities and beyond.

This month, we’re raising $20,000 to send students on Trek, our global school construction program. These students, called Groundbreakers, travel to partner communities in low-income countries to help build schools—and come home with a new sense of purpose and possibility.

In our last blog, we highlighted five students who will be embarking on their Trek journeys this summer. Today, we’d like to introduce four more students whose stories speak to the power of service and the promise of Trek.

Diego Sanchez-Morfin | Oakland, CA | Trek to Guatemala

“Education really opens you up as a person and helps you find out what you’re passionate about.” —Diego Sanchez-Morfin

Diego Sanchez-Morfin had always wanted to serve, but it wasn’t until a friend invited him to a buildOn service day that he discovered how. That first neighborhood cleanup led to many more. Today, Diego has done everything from serving food at shelters to clearing two tons of trash from a street in Oakland and learning the stories of people impacted by addiction and poverty.

“There was this person who had dealt with drug addiction and had gone to prison for a long time. Despite all of that, he overcame it and now helps run the shelter he was in,” he explains. “It was really empowering to see that no matter what, it’s never too late to change.“

Going on Trek to Guatemala will be Diego’s first time leaving the country, and his first flight. He’s eager to connect with a new community and to “spend a few days in someone else’s shoes.”

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know the community, being able to do service there, and exploring their culture,” he says. “It will make me grow as a person and be more grateful for what I have.”

Simone Sumpter | Detroit, MI | Trek to Malawi

“Every child and every adult, every human being should be educated in some way.” —Simone Sumpter

Simone Sumpter joined buildOn in Detroit after a classroom presentation sparked her curiosity. She had never done service before—but something clicked.

“I wanted to take initiative and be a part of my community,” she says. “To put in the work to make it better.”

Her favorite project was at Detroit Abloom, where she learned from local gardeners about plants, life, and spirituality. Now, she’s preparing for her first trip abroad to Malawi, where she’ll help build a school.

“I want to live how they live, to further my understanding of how lucky I am,” Simone says. “As an African American person, being with people who are almost just like me… it’s about building a connection with where my ancestors were.”

Simone dreams of becoming both a fashion designer and environmental scientist. “You can help people through fashion by educating them on how important protecting the earth is.”

Mhalhachy Chochotte | Bronx, NY | Trek to Guatemala

“I want to help the world, really.” —Mhalhachy Chochotte

From his early years in Haiti to his life now in the Bronx, Mhalhachy Chochotte has always had one passion: helping others.

“I wanted to build up my community service hours, not just because I’m a numbers guy,” he says. “I just love helping. That’s why.”

Mhalhachy’s favorite service project was a food distribution event in Queens. “When people were signing in, I thought of every name as one more family or person I helped feed.”

Now, he’s heading to Guatemala—his first international trip other than Haiti and the U.S.—to help build a school for a community that might not otherwise have access to education.

“In my mind, helping to build a school is creating a future for other kids,” Mhalhachy says. “If you don’t have school, what do you have?”

Rashida Savage | Bridgeport, CT | Trek to Malawi

“It’s humbling to think that our work can help open doors for children and families.” —Rashida Savage

Rashida Savage joined buildOn in Bridgeport because she wanted to be part of something that gave back to the community in a real, hands-on way. She found purpose in the kitchen of a local YMCA, making meals for residents. The experience taught her the power of serving others.

“One of the residents came up and thanked us, saying it was the best meal they’d had in a while,” Rashida shares. “Seeing how something small like a meal could brighten someone’s day made me realize how much of a difference we can make.”

Now, Rashida is preparing for her first trip outside the U.S. She’s journeying to Malawi, where she’ll help build a new school alongside a rural community.

“I hope to learn about their traditions, their daily life, and their perspectives on community and education,” she says. “It will remind me to not take my own education for granted.”

Give the Gift of Trek

Trek isn’t just about building a school. It’s about building a generation of leaders who are ready to serve with humility, lead with compassion, and connect across cultures.

Your donation helps cover the cost of travel, training, and tools for students like Diego, Simone, Mhalhachy, and Rashida.

Will you send a Groundbreaker on Trek?