2026 Persistence in Adversity Foundation Board
The 2026 Persistence in Adversity Foundation Board extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported our community initiatives.
As we finalize plans for the Be the Change Leadership Conference on May 20th, we invite you to join forces with us. By sponsoring a high school student or becoming a conference sponsor, you'll help empower the next generation of leaders.
Together, we can amplify our impact and equip them with essential soft skills. You can also lead a Skills Spark session or reach out to us to explore how you can contribute to shaping these emerging leaders.
Executive Board
Dr. Esmeralda Adame
FOUNDER
Dr. Esmeralda Adame, Mechanical Engineer, first-generation student, has earned an MBA, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She’s a John Maxwell certified speaker and coach, and has 12 years of industry experience in design and construction.
Dr. Adame, CEO at Consulting Firm, LLC, supports organizations by assessing and
improving company’s culture, processes, and efficiency. She provides, leadership trainings, workshops, and coaching in English and Spanish. She has been teaching for over 18 years in Manufacturing, Welding, Organizational Leadership, and Technology Management at South Texas College. She has served as an Associate Professor, Program Chair, and Assistant Dean.
Dr. Adame’s research and passion is persistence in STEM and emphasizes the
importance of soft skills and giving back. She has founded and led various efforts increasing females in non-traditional careers; serves in various local, state, and national boards. Some of these are: RGV LEAD, RGV Hispanic Chamber VP of Women Issues, and is president of the PSJA advisory committee. Dr. Adame is also an active member of other organizations such as the Hispanic Women Network of Texas (HWNT), and Mission Chamber of Commerce.
Throughout her career she has presented, mentored, and impacted over 60,500 individuals. Dr. Adame was instrumental in the National Institute of Metalworking Skills accreditation for South Texas College and was the first female in Texas and in the United States to earn her certification. She has lead initiatives that have earned over $92,000 in scholarships, has founded and led many efforts such as the #SpreadtheWarmthRGV where over 5,000 blankets were collected and distributed to the needy. She’s the founder of the Persistence in Adversity
Podcast and Persistence in Adversity Foundation.
Dr. Adame has been the recipient of various awards and recognitions such as 2019
Faculty of the Year at South Texas College, 2022 Women of Distinction by the RGV Hispanic Chamber, Women of Distinction by the Texas Association of Mexican American Chamber of Commerce (TAMACC), and others.
Dr. Adame is the proud mother of 3 children, and on her spare time she loves to spend time with her family. She shares God has been so good to her and she wants to bless others.
Fatima Garcia
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING
Fatima is a hospitality and business development executive with nearly 20 years of experience driving revenue growth, building strategic partnerships, and leading high-performing sales and marketing teams. Throughout their career, they have been passionate about creating meaningful relationships that generate long-term business opportunities and deliver measurable results.
Their experience spans hospitality, tourism, economic development, and business expansion. They have successfully launched new venues, supported the start-up of global manufacturing operations in the U.S.–Mexico binational region, developed high-performing sales programs, and led cross-functional teams focused on exceeding revenue goals and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Fatima believes successful business is built on trust, service, and authentic relationships. Whether collaborating with community leaders, supporting economic development initiatives, or helping organizations achieve their goals, they are committed to creating value, fostering strategic partnerships, and building connections that create a lasting impact.
They hold professional certifications from Marriott International and CVENT and are graduates of Leadership McAllen, Leadership Laguna Madre, and the Texas Friendly Hospitality & Tourism Program through Texas A&M. They are also certified as a Tourism Executive by the Texas Travel and Tourism College and have studied Business Administration and International Trade, providing a strong foundation for helping organizations grow through strategic planning, collaboration, and relationship-driven leadership.
Outside of their professional career, Fatima enjoys managing investment properties and providing business consulting to entrepreneurs and organizations looking to grow and strengthen their operations. In their free time, they enjoy sharing a good glass of wine with family and friends, believing that some of the best conversations, and the strongest relationships, are built around the table.
Pilar Gonzalez
TITLE COMING SOON
Pilar Gonzalez is the founder and CEO of dip it by Pilar, an award-winning food manufacturing company based in Mission, Texas. What began in her home kitchen as a way to provide for her three young children has grown into a thriving regional brand known for its signature yogurt-based dips. Her entrepreneurial journey is rooted in resilience, determination, and a commitment to creating opportunities through hard work.
Inspired by a lesson from her father to "never stop until you find someone who says yes," Pilar built her business one relationship at a time. She personally introduced her products to local retailers, earning the trust of grocery stores, specialty markets, and restaurants throughout the Rio Grande Valley. That perseverance laid the foundation for the continued growth of her company.
In 2014, Pilar won first place in the Ruby Red Ventures Competition, receiving funding that allowed her to expand operations beyond her home kitchen. The following year, she repeated the achievement by earning first place once again. During that same year, she also gained statewide recognition as the runner-up in H-E-B's Quest for Texas Best, a milestone that helped elevate the company's visibility across Texas.
As her business expanded, Pilar invested in professional development through H-E-B University and continued growing dip it by Pilar into a commercial manufacturing operation. Her company has received numerous accolades, including being named Business of the Year by the Mission Chamber of Commerce, and continues to serve customers with products built on quality, innovation, and family values.
Today, Pilar is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and small business development. Through her story, she inspires others to embrace perseverance, overcome adversity, and pursue their goals with confidence. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that with resilience, faith, and determination, humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.
Noe Salinas
Director of Operations
Noe oversees the foundation's daily initiatives, ensuring that every project aligns with our core values of resilience and empowerment.
Vivian
Secretary/Ambassador
Vivian Salinas is a proud local alumna who graduated in the top five of her high school class. During high school, she was an active member of the National Honor Society, dedicating her time to community service, and served as president of the We-Cycle Club, where she promoted sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Vivian earned her Associate of Arts in Business Administration from South Texas College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She serves as co-treasurer of UTRGV's Environmental Awareness Club, where she helps raise awareness of environmental issues affecting both local and global communities.
A dedicated advocate for service and education, Vivian has volunteered with the Persistence in Adversity Foundation since 2020 and joined its Board of Directors in 2025. She remains committed to empowering her community through environmental advocacy, leadership, and volunteerism.
Advisory Board
Geneva Padron
Felida Villarreal
Hector Sanchez
Geneva Padron is a Clinical Trial Recruitment Specialist and founder of The Chrysalis Project, a platform dedicated to transforming burnout into breakthrough. She is passionate about mentoring others, fostering resilience, and creating meaningful community impact.
Felida Villarreal is President & CEO of Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement, where she leads workforce development initiatives across the region. A CPA and community leader, she is passionate about economic growth, financial empowerment, and advancing Latina leadership.
Hector is a Vice President-Branch Manager at Texas National Bank with over 20 years of banking experience. He is passionate about financial wellness, community engagement, and helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals.
Judge Nereida Lopez-Singleterry
Rubi Cantu
CJ Sanchez
Judge Nereida Lopez-Singleterry is the first female judge of the 476th District Court of Hidalgo County. With over a decade of legal experience, she is dedicated to justice, advocacy, and serving her community with empathy and integrity.
E. Rubi Cantu, SPHR, SHRM-CP, is an HR Manager II at Regal Rexnord with 14+ years of experience. She specializes in data-driven strategies, talent development, and creating high-performing workplace cultures that align with business goals.
Carlos Javier “C.J.” Sanchez is a community leader, entrepreneur, and President & CEO of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce. With a background in communications and nonprofit leadership, he is committed to empowering businesses, supporting education, and strengthening the Rio Grande Valley community.
Vivian Salinas
A local alumna who graduated in the top five of her high school class, Ms. Salinas earned an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from South Texas College and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She serves as co-treasurer of her campus Environmental Awareness Club and has volunteered with the Persistence in Adversity Foundation since 2020, joining its board in 2025.
Our Impact
8k+
Blanket Drive
We have provided essential winter supplies to the Rio Grande Valley in need to ensure no one faces the cold without support.
1.8k+
Annual Conference
Our annual summit brings together seniors and juniors for workshops on leadership, resilience, and career pathways.
350+
Resilience Projects
We have funded local initiatives that empower students to lead change in their own communities through education and mentorship.