In a world that often overlooks the quiet resilience of those rising from the margins, Marcos Delgado’s story is a powerful testament to what’s possible when purpose meets opportunity.
In 2023, Marcos became one the Inaugural Unspoken Smiles Fellows from ULACIT (Latin American University of Science and Technology), stepping into a role that would change both his life and the lives of hundreds of children across Costa Rica. But this isn’t just a story of academic success — it’s a full-circle moment rooted in empathy, grit, and a deep desire to give back.
A Smile Begins at Home
Marcos grew up in Asociación Roble Alto, a nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for vulnerable children and families in Costa Rica. For many years, it was his home — a place that offered structure, hope, and a sense of belonging in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Now a dental student at ULACIT, one of Costa Rica’s most prestigious institutions, Marcos has returned — not as a beneficiary, but as a leader. This year, he joined Unspoken Smiles, a global nonprofit known for championing oral health in underserved communities, to serve the very children walking the same path he once did.
Returning With Purpose
As part of the Zero Cavity Initiative led by Unspoken Smiles Costa Rica, Marcos and a record-setting group of more than a dozen of new Unspoken Smiles Fellows from ULACIT visited Roble Alto in Heredia to deliver preventive dental education and care. For Marcos, the moment was deeply personal.
“Walking through those doors again — but this time with a dental scrub and a mission — was overwhelming,” he said. “I saw myself in those children. I wanted them to see what’s possible when you keep going.”
While Roble Alto does have a dental clinic facility, it lacks both the necessary equipment and professional staff to offer consistent care. The children, many of whom come from hard-to-reach areas, face systemic challenges in accessing even basic preventive services. Parental consent — often a logistical and cultural hurdle — adds another layer of complexity.
But thanks to Marcos and his peers, the outreach was a milestone moment: the largest single school outreach ever organized by Unspoken Smiles in Costa Rica outside of the capital city of San José. The team delivered critical education on oral hygiene, distributed supplies, and planted seeds of inspiration.
Beyond Oral Health
Unspoken Smiles’ Founder and Executive President, Jean Paul Laurent, praised Marcos’ commitment, saying,
“Marcos embodies everything our fellowship stands for. He’s not only becoming a healthcare provider — he’s a changemaker, a role model, and a voice of hope for the next generation.”
The fellowship is part of Unspoken Smiles’ larger mission to support youth-led solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
A Call to Action
While stories like Marcos’s show what’s possible, the need remains urgent. The Roble Alto dental clinic still lacks the equipment and trained professionals it needs to operate fully. With continued support, that can change.
To support this mission, donations can be made via PayPal at [email protected] — every contribution helps empower young leaders like Marcos and brings quality oral healthcare to underserved children.
Marcos Delgado didn’t just return to where he came from — he returned with a purpose. In doing so, he turned a personal history into a public legacy, lighting the path for others to follow. In a world that often measures success by how far we go, his story reminds us of the power of coming home.
For more stories about youth changemakers and innovative health solutions, follow Unspoken Smiles Impact and sign up for our newsletter.