Meet Verónica Avilés: The First Student from El Salvador Accepted into Leadership Mission International
Author: Lourdes Santos
Every leader’s journey begins somewhere. For Verónica Avilés, that journey began in a small community in El Salvador, where a passion for service, learning, and creating change started at a very young age.
Verónica comes form a small town in Suchitoto, Cuscatlán, El Salvador.
In the beautiful town of Suchitoto, Cuscatlán, El Salvador, a young woman’s journey has been shaped by one powerful belief: when people are given opportunities to grow, they can use their gifts to serve others.
Her name is Verónica Avilés, a 20-year-old Salvadoran who is making history as thefirst student from El Salvador accepted into Leadership Mission International (LMI).
But Verónica’s story is not defined only by this achievement. It is a story of curiosity, commitment, community, and a lifelong desire to make a difference.
From an early age, Verónica learned the importance of being involved in her community. Watching her family participate in local initiatives and spaces of decision-making inspired her to discover how she could contribute and become part of something greater than herself.
At only nine years old, Verónica took her first steps into community leadership through radio production and theater programs. These experiences gave her a voice and taught her that every person has a story, every idea has value, and every community grows stronger when people choose to participate.
As she grew, so did her commitment to serving others.
During her teenage years, Verónica became involved in a youth-led environmental committee, where she worked alongside other young people to create positive change in her community. Through this experience, she discovered that leadership is not simply about having answers—it is about responsibility, collaboration, and the courage to take action.
Her journey has also included moments of uncertainty. After graduating from high school, Verónica faced the challenge many young people experience: deciding what path to follow. She pursued a technical degree in Tourism, gaining new skills and experiences, but she continued searching for a way to connect her education with her passion for community transformation.
Along her journey, Verónica gained a deeper understanding of the challenges facing both her family and her community. When her father became ill, her family faced new economic difficulties, as he was the primary provider through farming basic grains. She also witnessed the barriers many young people face in accessing quality education, especially in rural areas, where opportunities for leadership and personal development are limited. These experiences did not stop her dreams; instead, they strengthened her desire to continue her education and become a leader committed to transforming her community and creating opportunities for other young people.
That opportunity came when Verónica discovered Leadership Mission International, a place where she could continue developing the leadership she had been building. Through SERES, a youth leadership organization in El Salvador, she discovered that her voice, her ideas, and her commitment could become powerful tools to transform her community. She became involved with SERES through a committee at her school, where she participated in the ACTIVATE program, an experience that helped her build confidence to lead, serve, and work alongside other young people toward a better future.
Leadership Mission International was introduced to SERES through our partnership with Rotary International. The rotary club of Tacoma, Washington, USA financially supported both organizations and brought them together to amplify impact. SERES shared LMI’s mission with Verónica, and encouraged her to apply to the program.
Antonio, co-founder of SERES, and Gris Bailey, Executive Director, welcome Verónica into LMI’s program.
As she discovered LMI’s mission, Verónica recognized a place where she could continue developing her leadership skills, expand her vision, and prepare herself to serve others with greater impact.
For Verónica, leadership is not about personal success alone. It is about using what she learns to create opportunities for others.
She credits much of her inspiration to her older sister, who has shown her through example that it is possible to pursue personal goals while remaining committed to helping others. This example has strengthened Verónica’s belief that knowledge becomes more meaningful when it is shared and used for the good of the community.
Today, Verónica begins a new chapter.
As the first student from El Salvador accepted into LMI, she represents the dreams of many young people who want to learn, grow, and make a difference. Her story is a reminder that leadership can begin anywhere—from a small town, a community project, or a young person who chooses to believe that their actions matter.
Verónica’s journey reflects the power of opportunity, perseverance, and purpose.
Verónica (center) alongside other new students from Cohort 17.
