Staff Spotlight: Neyba Macalopu, Program Director, GoodVision Peru

Neyba Macalopu has spent her career in service to others, working closely with vulnerable communities across Peru to understand their needs firsthand.Neyba Macalopu has spent her career in service to others, working closely with vulnerable communities across Peru to understand their needs firsthand. At GoodVision, she channels that experience into expanding access to visual health care — driven by the belief that a pair of glasses can do far more than improve sight; it can change the entire trajectory of a person’s life.

We caught up with her for a quick Q&A:

Q: What excites and inspires you most about GoodVision’s mission?

A: “What excites and inspires me the most about GoodVision’s mission is the opportunity to contribute, alongside a great human team, to improving the visual health of vulnerable people who do not have access to proper eye care.

Knowing that our work can transform a person’s life and, especially, change a child’s story through better vision is deeply meaningful to me. Being part of this project represents the opportunity to help rewrite stories through better sight and create a real impact in the lives of many families.”

Q: Is there a moment or story from your work with GoodVision that reminds you of the impact we are making?  

A: “I believe there are many stories and moments that reflect the impact we have been achieving at GoodVision. From the experiences shared with the entire team during campaigns carried out in hard-to-reach areas, where despite the challenges we always remain committed to our purpose, to stories that deeply move us.

I especially remember a young girl who cried with emotion because, thanks to GoodVision glasses, she was able to see clearly for the first time. I also remember older adults who continue working to support themselves and who, after using our glasses, can once again see clearly and carry out their work without difficulty.

In reality, there are many stories that, throughout these years, continue to inspire and motivate us to keep growing and strengthening our mission.”

Q: What keeps you inspired to support this work?

A: “What keeps me motivated is the mission of the project and the constant desire to exceed our goals every year in order to support more people who need this type of care.

Getting to know the reality and needs of each person closely inspires me to keep moving forward because I know we can change lives and create greater awareness about visual health care and prevention. For me, it is not only about providing a pair of glasses, but about generating a positive and real impact on each person’s quality of life.”

Q: What are the strengths, skills, and experiences that you bring to GoodVision to advance our mission?

A: “Since I was very young, I have worked in service to others, both professionally and as a volunteer, which has allowed me to closely understand the realities and needs of vulnerable communities. This experience has strengthened my empathy, social commitment, and vocation for service.

I have always had the purpose of contributing in some way to improving people’s quality of life, and at GoodVision I found the opportunity to do so through a project with a very meaningful human and social impact.

I also believe I can contribute my experience working with communities, coordinating social campaigns, and developing strategies to create partnerships and opportunities that allow us to continue bringing visual health care to more people.”

Q: What’s a fun fact people might not know about you?

A: “Being the mother of an 8-year-old boy has deeply transformed my life and the way I see many things. Through that experience, I became much more aware of the importance of taking care of my physical and mental health. It was always important to me, but over time I truly understood the value and impact it has on our lives and on those around us.

A few years ago, I began working more consciously on my well-being, not only for myself but also with the desire to pass those habits and values on to my son. I really enjoy going to the gym and practicing sports like boxing, and one of the moments I value the most is when he joins me during his school vacations. Sharing those moments together fills me with motivation and joy.

Without a doubt, my son is my greatest inspiration and one of the reasons that motivates me to continue growing every day.”

Q: What’s a favorite book, podcast, or quote that inspires you?

A: “One of the podcasts that inspires me the most is Se Regalan Dudas because it talks about everyday and emotional topics with honesty and empathy. I like that they invite specialists and people who share their experiences from different perspectives, allowing listeners to reflect and learn from situations that many of us experience but rarely talk about.

At different stages of my life, this podcast has helped me find balance through many doubts and concerns, and also understand that every person lives and processes experiences differently. Listening to those stories has helped me develop greater empathy and remember that, even during difficult moments, there is always the possibility to grow and become a better version of ourselves.”