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David Lopez
David Lopez
01:09

David Lopez

Teach For America

San Diego, CA USA

"Once you establish a belief in something that you really, really think is important, you stick to it. Because if you're not believing, others aren't going to follow your footsteps."

Career Roadmap

David's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

Executive Director

I build partnerships with schools and districts to help ensure that all students have access to an excellent education.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Associate's Degree

    San Diego Mesa College

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Management Science

    University of California-San Diego

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    Son of two Mexican immigrants and had trouble learning English.

  • 2.

    Almost dropped out of his public middle school after failing seventh and eighth grade.

  • 3.

    Instead, transferred to a charter school, where he found new mentors, a new love for learning.

  • 4.

    Found financial success in sales and marketing, but says those gains felt "hollow."

  • 5.

    Returned to school to earn his Bachelor's degree from UCSD with the goal of transitioning into nonprofit work.

  • 6.

    Joined Teach For America after realizing he was in the minority of low-income students who graduate college-wanted to give back.

  • 7.

    Started his branch of the nonprofit in the hopes of giving everyone in San Diego access to a good education.