When Language Becomes a Bridge: My Widening Circles Journey
First Name
Angélica González-Bastidas
Field of Study
PhD Candidate, Applied Linguistics and Law | Plain Legal Language
Graduation Year
2026
Virtual or In-Person
Virtual
Program Titles
Global Grand Grant – Social Impact Track; Latine Co-Lab: Co-Creating Linguistic Justice Through Plain Language and Design
Widening Circles: Global Social Impact Program
Global Impact Fellows
What motivated or led you to participate in your global learning program?
When I arrived in California as a financial lawyer from Colombia, I was surprised by how difficult it was to access financial and legal services in Spanish, even though nearly a third of the population speaks it at home. That personal experience inspired me to think deeply about the importance of plain legal language. I joined the Widening Circles: Global Social Impact Program because I wanted to strengthen a project with the Latine Co-Lab community, an effort I co-created with students and bilingual teachers to transform complex institutional documents into bilingual plain language. I saw this program as a way to connect my research with global leadership tools and to learn how to scale Latine Co-Lab’s impact beyond the university.
What was your experience like in this program? What did you learn from your experience: interacting with other people and cultures; academics; addressing global challenges; and/or developing global skills and leadership?
The program gave me the chance to step back and see my research and leadership journey through a global lens. By engaging with peers from different fields and countries, I learned how others address challenges of equity and accessibility. I developed tools for storytelling, systems thinking and collaborative leadership that I now apply to my work with the Latine Co-Lab at UC Davis. It was very cool (muy chévere).
What was the most challenging part of your program and the most rewarding?
The most challenging part was letting go of my own expectations and embracing the “beginner’s mind” mindset. At first, it was hard not to rely solely on my expertise, but once I opened myself up to learning differently, the program became truly rewarding.
What’s one of your most memorable experiences from your program?
One moment I will always remember was sharing my story with the group and realizing how deeply it resonated with people from very different contexts. I didn’t expect that putting my story into words would move me so much. I felt a knot in my throat and couldn’t hold back a few tears. That experience reminded me that access to clear information is a universal and deeply human issue, and it reaffirmed that my work in bilingual plain language is ultimately about connecting with others through kindness and empathy.
What was a typical day like on your program?
A typical day included reading and reflection, small-group discussions and interactive workshops. I especially enjoyed the sessions where we applied theory to real-world challenges and connected those lessons to our personal projects. Even though it was virtual, I felt very close to my coach, Kelly—she is the best! The team made the space feel dynamic, supportive and personal.
What advice do you have for someone considering your program or a global experience, in general?
Don’t think twice—do it! This has been the most meaningful course I’ve taken. Go in with an open heart and a curious mind, and don’t be afraid to share your story. That’s where the real connections and learning happen.
What was your biggest concern about participating in the program? Were you able to overcome that concern, and if so, how?
At the beginning, I worried that my English and accent would make it harder for me to express myself fully. But the program created a supportive environment where differences were respected. By the end, I realized my accent tells part of my story and is not a barrier but a bridge.
What is something you wish you had known before joining the program?
I wish I had known how transformative the “beginner’s mind” approach would be. If I had embraced it earlier, I would have felt less pressure to “prove myself” and more freedom to simply learn.
How do you think your program experiences will benefit you in the future—academically, regarding future career goals, or personally?
It is already benefiting me. Right now, I am seeking support to co-create a media report with the Latine Co-Lab, other PhD students and allies who want to highlight the importance of plain language in multicultural contexts like California. This initiative is directly inspired by the respect for community that Widening Circles taught me. The skills and networks I gained through the program will stay with me long after it ends. Academically, they strengthen my PhD research on plain legal language. Professionally, they prepare me to lead initiatives that bridge law, linguistics and equity. Personally, the program gave me the confidence to embrace my story as part of my leadership journey.