Diego López, a young man from Pérez Zeledón – a small agricultural and tourism region in southern Costa Rica, was an award recipient at WorldSkills Kazan 2019. Recognized for his excellence in IT Network Systems Administration, he has also been appointed as a Global Dream Ambassador for WorldSkills Shanghai as the WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for the Americas. His story embodies the very ideals of perseverance, transformation, and the desire to give back, which offers young people a powerful example of how skills can open the door to dreams and a better life.

From a small town to the podium of WorldSkills: Beginning an extraordinary journey powered by skills

Diego’s beginnings were far from privileged. Born in a small agricultural and tourist region in southern Costa Rica, he moved to San José after high school and dreamed of pursuing higher education in Information and Communications Technology. However, faced with the first challenge of high university tuition costs, he took a strategic path.

“I was enrolled in a technical degree at the National Training Institute (INA), which offers free technical and vocational education and training. My plan was to secure a job and later fund my university studies.” What seemed a compromise became a turning point in his life. At the time, INA had recently joined WorldSkills and was participating in only a few skills. With his talent and hard work, Diego passed the selection to compete in WorldSkills Kazan 2019.

It was a tough time training for the Competition. “It was very hard because I was living alone, far away from my family,” Diego recalls. He threw himself into intensive preparation, working seven days a week. However, the experience taught him valuable skills and qualities such as discipline, which continue to benefit him today.

A game-changing moment in his preparation came when WorldSkills Korea offered him a three-month training opportunity in Korea. “Training far from my hometown was incredibly difficult, but pursuing my dreams made every challenge worthwhile. It proved to be a life‑changing experience,” Diego says. One of the most defining moments in Diego’s life came when he was called to the stage in Kazan to receive his medals. “I was feeling down because I struggled with two of my Test Projects and never expected to win anything,” he admits. “When they called my name, I was shocked. I grabbed my country’s flag and ran to get the medal – I cried like a baby.” To commemorate his achievements, Diego tattooed both of his medals on his forearm.

Following WorldSkills, Diego was recruited by an American company, where he worked for four years before transitioning to another firm that allows him to work remotely. In 2022, he took the next step in his professional development and was enrolled in university.

Mission of the Global Dream Ambassador: Creating a better future with skills

As a newly appointed Global Dream Ambassador for the WorldSkills Shanghai, Diego feels a profound sense of responsibility. “Becoming the Global Skills Dream Ambassador is a true honor and responsibility, as I have so much to say to the youth,” he says. He is committed to fulfilling this role by sharing his experiences and doing everything he can to support young people.

Skills mean power and change to Diego. “For me, skills don’t just mean the ability to work. They’re about creating, growing, and making a positive change in the world,” he said passionately. “Skills have completely transformed my life because they’ve given me a voice to inspire more people.”

Diego pays special attention to the potential of skills education in addressing poverty and unemployment, particularly youth unemployment. He hopes to use his role as a Global Skills Ambassador for WorldSkills to raise public awareness about the importance of skills education and break the stereotype that “only university leads to success.” “As long as we stand united, we can create a brighter future full of opportunities.”

Diego believes that adaptability is essential in fast‑evolving fields like IT. “You need to be creative and flexible in this industry,” he says. While he has earned several certifications to put this into action, he also learns new skills through YouTube and other online resources. Over time, his interests have shifted from coding to cloud computing, demonstrating the adaptability and creativity that IT professionals need to be equipped with.

His message to WorldSkills Shanghai: Looking forward to a grand event that celebrate skills heritage and exchange

For the upcoming WorldSkills Shanghai, Diego has high hopes. “I hope the Shanghai Event becomes a grand celebration where young people from around the world can share their cultures, exchange their experiences, and showcase their skills to the world.”

He hopes that every participant will not only win medals but also leave the Competition with unforgettable memories to share with other young people. “The WorldSkills Competition is an excellent platform for young people around the world to showcase their skills and potential. I wish everyone all the best, and I hope more young people can join this Competition.” In his view, medals are undoubtedly precious, but what matters even more is the growth, friendships, and confidence gained along the way.

Diego’s future goals include living abroad and traveling more to experience different cultures. He also hopes that his time with WorldSkills Champions Trust and as a Dream Ambassador will help him refine his communication skills and expand his global perspective. His story shows that no matter where one begins, with skill development and relentless effort, anyone can stand on the world stage.

“Skills can change the world, and the future is in your hands!” This is Diego’s encouragement to young people around the world, and it is also a true reflection of his own journey. From a small town in Costa Rica to the stage of the WorldSkills Competition, he has shown that when dreams meet skills, an ordinary life can shine with extraordinary brilliance.