As a first-generation student at DSST: Montview, college felt like a distant possibility for Perla Bustillos Gutierrez, not a guaranteed next step. But, through guidance, encouragement, and consistent support, Bustillos Gutierrez, Class of 2014, came to see that a four-year college was within reach, even before she fully knew how to imagine herself there.
"I learned the importance of honoring people's stories and my own and showing up with respect, care, and intention," she said. "I was encouraged to take responsibility for my life roadmap, my work and the way I contributed to the community around me. That sense of ownership helped me build confidence in my voice and trust in my perspective, especially in spaces where I was still growing into myself."
DSST also nurtured Bustillos Gutierrez’s curiosity about the world and her place in it. She learned to ask questions, explore new possibilities and step into challenges with courage, even when she didn't yet have all the answers. Those early lessons continue to guide how she leads and serves today, shaping how she moves through her personal and professional life with purpose, compassion, and a deep commitment to doing her best.
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Since graduating from DSST, Bustillos Gutierrez has been building organizations and has worked across alumni engagement, public service, nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurship. Throughout it all, she's been guided by a commitment to integrity, responsibility and respect for people and their lived experiences.
"I believe in doing work thoughtfully, aligning my words with my actions and leading with care," she said. “Curiosity has also been a constant companion, pushing me to keep learning, ask questions and stay open to growth. At every stage, I've tried to bring my full effort to the work, knowing that individual intention and attention to detail contribute to collective impact."
Building organizations from the ground up has taught Bustillos Gutierrez that meaningful impact begins with listening. Sustainable, mission-driven work is rooted in respect for the communities it serves and responsibility for the systems we create.
"I've learned that when leaders act with integrity, remain curious and consistently do their best, even when conditions are imperfect, organizations become places where people feel seen, heard and can thrive," Bustillos Gutierrez said. "Impact isn't just about outcomes, it's about how we show up along the way for each other and how we work together to better ourselves and communities."
One of the projects she's most proud of is building her own event planning business. It reflects her belief that when people feel seen, welcomed and valued, powerful things can happen. Creating spaces that foster connection, celebration and belonging has allowed her to bring together creativity, leadership and service in a way that feels deeply aligned with her values.
"It's been a reminder that doing your best, consistently and with care, can turn a simple idea into something meaningful for many," she said.
Some of the most challenging moments in her career came not from the work itself, but from learning to truly believe in herself and the values she brings into every space. Early on, she often found herself navigating unfamiliar environments where she wasn't always sure she belonged or where her perspective felt different from what was traditionally represented. Those moments required courage, not just to take risks or persevere under pressure, but to trust her instincts and honor her lived experience.
Over time, Bustillos Gutierrez learned that integrity means staying aligned with who you are, even when external validation is absent. It means being honest about what you know, open about what you're still learning and confident enough to ask for support when you need it.
"Perhaps the most important lesson was realizing that if there isn't a chair at the table where you want to be, you don't have to wait for an invitation," she said. "You can bring your own chair or build your own table entirely."
These experiences reshaped how she leads. They taught her to move with purpose, to create spaces where others feel welcomed and valued, and to trust that doing her best with intention will always lead her where she's meant to be. Today, those lessons ground her in resilience, humility and a deep commitment to leading in a way that opens doors not just for herself, but for others as well.
To current DSST students and recent alumni, Bustillos Gutierrez offers this advice: "Stay curious about who you are becoming, and be patient with the unfolding of your journey. Not every step will make sense right away, and that's okay. A meaningful path doesn't have to be straight to be intentional. Some of the most important growth happens in the in-between moments, when you're learning, failing, questioning and discovering what truly matters to you."
She encourages students to take responsibility for their growth, but to be kind with themselves and others.
“Seek out mentors, ask questions, and allow yourself to learn from people whose experiences differ from your own. Don't be afraid to stretch beyond what feels familiar or comfortable. Those moments often reveal strengths you didn't know you had.”
"Above all, do your best in the way you show up each day," Bustillos Gutierrez continued. "Not just in outcomes or achievements, but in your effort, your intention, and how you treat the people around you. Lead with integrity, respect, and care. Titles will change, and roles will evolve, but the values you carry with you will open doors, build trust, and guide you far beyond any single opportunity."