Brandon Zamudio, 2022 Nyah Fellow and first generation student at Yale University, sits down with Leigh-Ann to discuss the importance of empathy, the challenges of pursuing success in a socioeconomically disadvantaged context, and what he learned about himself and vulnerability during his Nyah Project fellowship to Ghana. Also find out why he’s studying economic policy and how he plans to address issues in his own community before expanding impact nationally (or even globally!), plus more.

"If people were truly more empathetic…I truly think that this world would be a better place and could target issues from climate change to poverty to food insecurity. " - Brandon Zamudio

They also chat about:

• The importance of uplifting others

• His aspirations and how he can use his educational experiences to make a positive impact

• Overcoming fear and imposter syndrome

• Navigating cultural and socio-economic differences as a first generation Mexican and Peruvian American

• His admiration for his older brother, Miguel, especially in the pursuit of higher education

• Self-imposed pressure and success measurements

• How he learned different values from the Nyah Project interview process

• How Access Online and Access coaching helped him not only with time management, but getting enough scholarships to attend Yale University

• Why he looks up to Francesca Covey, Chief of Economic Innovation and Development for Miami-Dade County, as a leader

• The role of economic policy and resource access in shaping communities

• The beauty of creating something that you love