At BUILD, we’re proud to celebrate the remarkable women in our community who continue to lead with courage, creativity, and care. For Women’s History Month this year, we’re spotlighting four inspiring alumnae whose journeys reflect the power of entrepreneurship, mentorship, and self-agency. Here is their advice for BUILDing the Future:
Francilliana Barbosa – Building a More Equitable Future in Healthcare
Francilliana, a BUILD Boston alumna, recently graduated from Providence College with a degree in Health and Management. She identifies as a first-generation college student studying Health Policy and Management and minoring in Black Studies as well. She now works at Brigham and Women’s Hospital as a Patient Care Technician in Oncology, where she brings compassion, diligence, and a commitment to transforming care for underrepresented communities.
As a Youth Fellow and alumni mentor, Francilliana has stayed engaged with BUILD and credits the program for encouraging her to explore new paths and embrace leadership.
“Advice I would give to the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders is simple—just go for it! Follow your heart and trust your instincts. Take that leap because you have people who believe in you, support you, and genuinely want to see you succeed.”
Meet Karol Mendoza: Leading with Heart and Honoring Her Voice
Karol Mendoza is a freshman at Northeastern University studying Journalism with a minor in International Affairs. She joined BUILD during her senior year of high school and has remained an active alumna—now serving as a Youth Fellow and a Development & Communications Intern for BUILD Boston.
Karol is passionate about storytelling, identity, and using her voice to uplift others. She shares this advice for future leaders:
“Always follow your heart and passions, no matter how challenging the path may be. If you have a burning desire in your heart, it's a sign your future holds it for you. Rejection is only redirection. Be kind, express yourself, and stay true to who you are. BUILD taught me that being yourself makes you unstoppable.”
Mehrin Maisha – Leading with Identity and Purpose
Mehrin, a graduating senior at the City College of New York, has been deeply connected to BUILD since high school. She was recently accepted into NYU’s Public Health Policy and Management program as well as the CUNY School of Public Health—two competitive programs that align with her passion for health equity and inclusive policy.
Mehrin’s advocacy is rooted in her cultural identity and her drive to create change through representation and empowerment.
“Discover your talents and make the most of them. It will take hard work and perseverance, with many ups and downs, to reach a level you're satisfied with, but remember that you're not alone. Find a community that will support you as you take the next steps in your life. BUILD has been by my side through high school, college, and now as I pursue my master's journey. It’s been an incredible experience with BUILD, and I look forward to what lies ahead. Be strong, embrace your identity, showcase your talent, and use it to make an impact.”
Yadira Chavez – Redefining Success
Born and raised in Oakland, Yadira is now a first-year at Northwestern University studying Economics and Learning & Organizational Change. She joined BUILD in high school and quickly stood out for her thoughtfulness and drive. As a BUILD Youth Fellow, she helped co-design digital programs like the Design Challenge and FamBiz, and today, she continues to bring youth insight to BUILD’s work. She also serves as Vice President of Engagement for Northwestern’s Southwest Area Council.
A proud first-generation, low-income (FIGLY) student, Yadira draws strength from her Mexican heritage and her commitment to empowering marginalized communities.
“Success isn't a straight path—it's a journey of action, adaptability, and perseverance. The business world is constantly evolving, so the first step is to show up and bet on yourself. What follows is investing in your growth, being open to change, and understanding that true success comes from valuing yourself, not just chasing money.”
