Meet Yvette Lopez

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yvette Lopez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yvette below.

Hi Yvette, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is like living with an internal critic that whispers, “You don’t belong here,” even when the evidence of your achievements is undeniable. I’ve been acquainted with that feeling long before I knew it had a name. Navigating spaces where I felt like an outsider has been a recurring theme in my life—and each experience shaped how I eventually silenced that voice.

At 30, I was appointed Advisor to the President of the Dominican Republic on Florida Affairs. It was a moment that should have been a pinnacle of pride, but instead, I found myself in meetings where colleagues—primarily Dominican men over 50—questioned my competence. They’d act as though I was there to serve coffee, not strategy. Being a young, American-born woman in that space was like standing in a spotlight that highlighted every perceived difference.

But this wasn’t my first rodeo. Growing up in Brooklyn, I was one of three Latinos in my predominantly African-American elementary school. Later, I was bussed to a mostly white school with opportunities—computers, cooking classes, art programs—that my local school lacked. And then, at 11 years old, I moved to the Dominican Republic, where suddenly I was la americana. Each of these transitions made me acutely aware of how it feels to stand out, to question your belonging, and to wrestle with the urge to conform.

Through those formative years, I stopped fixating on how I didn’t fit in and started asking, What do I bring to the table? This perspective shift became my anchor. Imposter syndrome thrives on comparison—measuring yourself against others’ abilities and finding yourself lacking. Instead, I learned to focus on my unique value, and that’s the mindset I encourage others to adopt.

When I stepped into my role as Advisor to the President, I knew my distinct experiences were an asset. My background gave me a fresh perspective, my upbringing taught me resourcefulness, and my work ethic made me a problem-solver. The Dominican government was focused on attracting foreign investment and tackling resource scarcity. My ability to do more with less, design efficient systems, and bridge cultural divides was precisely what the role needed. I leaned into these strengths instead of trying to mimic the people around me.

I never stopped showing up as myself, and that authenticity became my superpower. I wasn’t just the youngest person in the room—I was the one asking the right questions, proposing actionable solutions, and delivering results. By focusing on what I could contribute rather than what I lacked, I built confidence that no external judgment could shake.

Imposter syndrome, while valid, tends to magnify feelings of inadequacy. But what if we reframed it? Instead of dwelling on where you fall short, imagine honing in on what makes you extraordinary. Today, as a coach, that’s the mindset I help others embrace. It’s about shifting from “I’m not enough” to “I bring something unique to the table.”

The truth is, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its entire life thinking it’s a failure. The key isn’t trying to climb someone else’s tree; it’s swimming in your lane with purpose and confidence. And when you do, there’s no room for feeling like a fraud—only space for your greatness to shine.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My story begins in the housing projects of Brooklyn, where I was born and raised. Growing up there shaped my resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep desire to create opportunities in the face of challenges. Over the years, I’ve held diverse and high-profile roles, including serving as Director of International Projects at Daytona State College, Liaison Officer for the U.S. Department of Defense, and Advisor to the President of the Dominican Republic, where I helped develop a community college system that has since graduated over 20,000 students. At one point, my work even came with a driver and security detail—a stark contrast to my humble beginnings. These experiences have taught me that none of our life’s chapters are wasted. Each one imparts valuable lessons that make us stronger and better equipped to navigate the complexities of life.

After many years in public service, I left federal government work two years ago to pursue a new path and launched Development Culture LLC, a coaching and consulting firm. At Development Culture, our mission is to create a culture that fosters growth, alignment, and collaboration. We work with individuals and organizations to:

– Encourage Growth: By challenging beliefs and embracing discomfort, we create opportunities for self-improvement and adaptability in a constantly changing world.
– Align Actions with Values: Clarifying personal and organizational values empowers decision-making that resonates deeply and leads to authenticity and fulfillment.
– Promote Collaboration: Embracing diverse perspectives fosters innovation and a shared path to success.

What excites me most about this work is witnessing lives transformed. I get to see people move from a routine, humdrum existence to a life of excitement, purpose, and proactive energy. To support this transformation, we provide free monthly group coaching, personalized one-on-one sessions, and online programs designed to identify and address areas for growth, helping you become the best version of yourself.

In addition to Development Culture LLC, I founded Dev Culture Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Dev Culture Inc. focuses on empowering Latino immigrants and their children to break cycles of poverty and achieve their own version of the American dream. Through our Elevate program, we provide year-long training to help participants understand their identity, embrace their strengths, and become confident decision-makers in a society where they are constantly learning and adapting.

From optimizing processes in organizations to creating opportunities for individuals to maximize their potential, my work is about unlocking the power of people. At Development Culture and Dev Culture Inc., we believe that everyone has value, and when individuals learn to harness their innate strengths and life lessons, they can overcome any challenge. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and intentional action, we aim to help others fill their days with passion, purpose, and progress.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities and skills have been most impactful in my journey: adaptability, humility, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Adaptability has been crucial in navigating the many transformations I’ve experienced. Life has required me to recreate myself time and time again, and through each transition, I learned to see challenges as opportunities for growth. For those early in their journey, I advise cultivating flexibility and viewing change not as a threat, but as a chance to learn and thrive.

Humility has been another key to my success. It allowed me to approach every situation as a student, ready to learn from the people and circumstances around me. Whether I was working in international affairs or building a nonprofit to empower Latino immigrants, humility kept me grounded and open to the wisdom of others. My advice is to embrace humility by seeking feedback, remaining curious, and being willing to admit when you don’t have all the answers—it’s in those moments that you grow the most.

Finally, a commitment to continuous learning has been the foundation of my personal and professional growth. From pursuing a Doctorate in Jurisprudence, certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Mediation, or Master’s in strategic planning to creating programs that help others uncover their strengths, I’ve found that life is a constant process of learning and relearning. For those starting out, invest in yourself—read, take courses, seek mentors, and always be open to new knowledge. Learning is not a one-time event; it’s a lifelong habit.

Above all, my advice is this: your experiences, no matter how challenging, are never wasted. They shape you, teach you, and prepare you for what’s next. When you align your actions with your values, remain open to growth, and work collaboratively with others, you’ll find not just success, but a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was expose me to a world far beyond our reality. Even though they worked two, sometimes three jobs to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads, they always found time to dress us up and take us to Broadway plays or take a road trip. Those outings were magical—stepping into theaters filled with lights, stories, and possibility, even if only for a few hours, transported me to a life I had never known but desperately wanted to understand.

At home, my world looked very different. My bed was next to a window, and at night, as the moon cast its soft glow over the buildings, I would hear the sounds of the projects—screams, arguments, gunshots. Yet, staring at that moon, I’d dream. I’d wonder about people in other places who lived differently, who maybe didn’t hear sirens at bedtime. I didn’t resent my circumstances; I just knew there had to be more.

It was in those small moments, both in the quiet of my dreams and the contrast of being exposed to lives so different from my own, that my drive was born. My parents, without realizing it, gave me a gift far greater than any material thing—they sparked my curiosity and a hunger to see, to learn, and to create a life beyond the confines of what I’d known.

Their sacrifices and those glimpses into a broader world were the seeds that grew into a relentless determination to embrace every challenge, to rise above circumstances, and to help others do the same. Those evenings in the theater and those quiet moments by the window taught me that no matter where you start, the world is as big as your imagination—and sometimes, that’s all you need to begin.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.developmentculture.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/development.culture/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DevelopmentCultureLLC
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvettelopezchapman/
• Twitter: https://x.com/DevCultureOrg
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DevelopmentCulture
• Other: https://www.developmentculture.org/devculture

Image Credits

Laura Kellerman Studios
Diana G Photography
Misty D Photography