Becoming Somebody
Licy Do Canto speaks with clarity and humility, and it seemed that he spoke not to seek attention but connection. Listening to him reminded us that leadership is not about status but about service and self awareness.
He began by stressing the importance of being yourself. In a world where many feel pressured to fit in or perform, he reminded us that our greatest strength lies in showing up as we truly are. Authenticity is not only powerful but necessary. He also reflected on how each generation often believes it is living through the worst of times. While the challenges are real, this perspective can cloud our ability to see hope, to act, and to move forward. History shows that change is possible, but only if we believe in it. He also emphasized that true leadership means helping others become better people. In doing so, we help create better leaders. Listening, he said, is at the heart of leadership.
A thoughtful speaker must first be a thoughtful listener. He spoke about vulnerability, especially in spaces like Washington, DC, where it is often scarce but badly needed. People crave honesty and real connection. Being open is not a weakness but a strength. He also noted that we can learn much about a person by the company they keep. Surrounding oneself with wise, thoughtful people leads to personal growth and better decisions. His message was clear: being somebody is not about titles or applause; it’s about showing up with purpose, honesty, and heart.
-Gage Saul
What Divides Us Is the Thing That Brings Us Together
Before going to DC, when we were assigned people to research, I was assigned Ray Suarez instead of Licy Do Canto. I got so busy researching him that I didn’t do much research on Mr. Do Canto. That would change the night before we were assigned to interview him, as I was able to do some research and write a question that Shannon complimented. It was the highest compliment I would get about a question the entire trip, and it made me excited to talk with him.
The next day, we went to his office building, and as we were waiting outside, he found us. My first impression of him was positive. He seemed outgoing and very interested in us. When we finally got to the meeting room and he began speaking, he was very talkative and friendly. He had a lot to say about religion, our potential as young people, how he was once in our shoes, and his background and career. He talked about how walking Ted Kennendy’s dog was “the most important job I had ever had.” He also talked about Walt Disney’s original deal with NBC to make the point that you need to deal with challenges in order to achieve success. Walt Disney had been rejected many times before he made the deal with NBC, but he eventually became incredibly successful. He also talked about how he was taught by his mentors to never repeat himself in a conversation, and how he got a job working for Rep. Barney Frank after an interview that lasted only three and a half minutes. Finally, he talked about the current situation in this country and stated, “What divides us is the thing that brings us together.”
-Kyler Nishimura
Shoot For the Stars
Of all the brilliant people we interviewed, Licy Do Canto was the most excited to talk to us. He said that he saw himself in all of us and felt strongly we were all the same, but that he is just “a bit further down the road” than we are. He spoke a lot about what was fulfilling to him and what really matters to him. He spoke passionately about providing opportunities for young people and supporting and lifting up those in need. When asked how he feels about running for a position of power in this country, he replied, “The highest privilege I could ever have is sitting in front of you.”
A common thread running through all of our interviews is the power of community and human connections. To be honest, before coming to DC, I pictured the city as intimidating and full of self-important people who prioritize their own personal agendas over everything else. However, what I’ve found to be true is the complete opposite, and the interview with Mr. Do Canto really confirmed that view. He has built his career in DC on connections. He advises interesting people who know other interesting people with whom he can connect, and the network of interesting people grows wider. He stated, “It’s important to have inspiration in one’s life, to be around people who inspire you to be better than you ever thought you could be.”
Talking with Licy was the first time I could picture myself sitting in the chair he was sitting in. Throughout the week, and as we talked to more people, I have been falling more and more in love with the idea of living in DC. The connections people build, the things they are able to accomplish, and the success they can achieve through the resources the city provides is impressive and extremely tempting. The good in DC is so good, and I love the idea that I could be a part of it. He also stated that “vulnerability in this town is in short supply and high demand.” It’s exciting to think that I could be someone who brings that sort of vulnerability to DC, that I could, as he said, “be in places where I can contribute in a significant and impactful way.”
He also talked a lot about going as far as you can with what you’ve been given in life, to “embrace the opportunity to contribute with the talents [God] gave you.” Finally, he talked about a mentor he had growing up who told him to “shoot-for the stars,” beyond local policy and government, and move to DC, where he is now in a position to be the person who connects us with other star-shooters and impressive people doing amazing things in this amazing city.
-Lucy Yen
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