A Voice Beyond Borders: The Journey of Hillary Santos Marte

Hillary Santos Marte

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A Voice Beyond Borders: The Journey of Hillary Santos Marte

At just 17 years old, Hillary Santos Marte is already proving that age is no barrier to vision, leadership, and impact. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, she has shaped her path around three passions that define her: art, public speaking, and global issues. Every step of her journey reflects a belief that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow—they are the change-makers of today.

A Scholar and a Storyteller

Hillary’s academic achievements tell one part of her story. She earned first place nationally in the Reading and Writing Olympiad, advanced to the regional stage of the History Olympiad, and placed third in the English Olympiad. These milestones reflect more than just academic skill—they showcase her curiosity, her ability to think critically, and her commitment to using knowledge as a tool for growth.

Yet Hillary’s talents stretch far beyond competition halls and classrooms. She is a poet, painter, and debater, someone who sees creativity not as a pastime but as a way of interpreting the world. Whether through words, colors, or arguments, she uses expression to ask questions, start conversations, and build connections.

Leading with Purpose

 For Hillary, leadership is not about holding a title—it’s about creating space for others. As the Vice President of Fundación Faro de Esperanza, she helps guide young people in discovering their vocations and exploring their potential. Her leadership is grounded in service, in lifting others up while continuing to grow herself.

This same spirit led her to found a local book club, where students gather to discuss literature and challenge ideas together. In a time when conversations can be shallow or rushed, Hillary insists on creating opportunities for depth—for critical thinking, for honest debate, and for empathy.

Creativity with a Global Vision

Her creativity doesn’t stop in her community. Through her YouTube channel, Amapola Roja, Hillary opens up conversations about art, philosophy, and contemporary issues. It’s her way of connecting with a wider audience, linking local realities with global ideas, and showing that youth voices have the power to resonate far beyond their borders.

In 2025, Hillary expanded her perspective even further by attending the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) program. Immersed in an international community of thinkers and leaders, she gained new insight into how global collaboration and youth leadership can drive real change. For her, this experience was not just an academic opportunity—it was a step toward the kind of international dialogue she wants to help build throughout her life.

A Path Forward

What makes Hillary’s story inspiring is not just her long list of accomplishments—painting, poetry, debating, public speaking—but the way she ties them together into a vision for the future. She shows us that creativity and intellect, local service and global awareness, can coexist powerfully in one young leader.

 

Hillary Santos Marte is more than a student. She is an advocate, a creator, and a connector of ideas and people. Her journey is proof that youth voices are not waiting quietly on the sidelines—they are already speaking up, shaping change, and imagining new possibilities.

 

The future may still be unfolding, but Hillary is already leaving her mark—through her art, her words, and her unshakable courage.

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