Persistence in Adversity with Dr. Adame

Dr. Esmeralda Adame
  • 5.0 (8)
  • PARENTING

Share success stories, interviews, on how people overcame adversity to reach their goals and encourage others to do the same; discuss persistence, career success, mentoring, community engagement/involvement, bridges, tactics and key skills to reach personal, educational and professional achievement.

  1. APR 7

    Persistence in Adversity Podcast with Dr. Adame: Felida Villareal, Community Leader

    In this episode Felida Villarreal shares a bit about her story and what experiences have shaped her life. Felida currently serves as President & CEO of Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA), a transformative regional nonprofit founded in 1995 that empowers Rio Grande Valley residents to achieve economic prosperity through market-driven training, resources, and career pathways. A licensed Certified Public Accountant in Texas, Felida holds a Master of Accountancy from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas – Pan American. Recognized as a rising leader in workforce development, Felida was named one of Hispanic Executive's prestigious "30 under 30" honorees in 2024 and among their Leading Latinas in 2025 for her commitment to empowering Latino communities through innovative workforce initiatives and creating sustainable pathways to high-wage careers. Her impact has garnered multiple accolades, including the Hispanic Women Making History Award from HWNT-RGV, and many others. Felida also serves on the Hidalgo County Prosperity Taskforce, a strategic initiative launched by County Judge Richard Cortez to combat poverty in the RGV. In this interview from September 2025, Felida also discusses some of her adversities, provides some life advice both in English and Spanish, and also shares what keeps her going and why she invests so much in the Rio Grande Valley community.

    53 min

  2. MAR 2

    Persistence in Adversity Podcast with Dr. Adame: Sarah Hammond, Entrepreneur and Community Leader

    On April 2025 Sarah Hammond, President of Atlas Electric and Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Plumbing Services, Inc., shared about her early years and a bit of her story in the podcast. In this episode Sarah also discussed challenges of managing in a male dominated industry. Sarah is the founder of Intentionally BridgeIt, an organization dedicated to supporting women business owners through intentional networking, leadership development, and personal growth. Sarah is deeply committed to civic engagement, Sarah maintains an active leadership presence across regional, state, and national organizations. She has served on numerous boards and advisory councils focused on business ethics, workforce development, education, and economic growth. Her board service includes Women in HVACR and others. In this episode she also shares some life advice and talks about what keeps her going. In addition, Mrs. Hammond provides some advice in Spanish on si se puede.

    55 min

  3. 12/30/2025

    Podcast with Dr. Adame: Della Fay, Attorney and Community Leader

    In this 2023 podcast interview Della shares about her early years, a bit of her education and also about what she does in the community. Della Fay Perez is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Angels of Love, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering survivors, supporting families in crisis, and fostering healing through advocacy, education, and compassion. Under her leadership, Angels of Love has grown into a beacon of hope, providing life-changing services that promote resilience, safety, and transformation. A visionary leader with a deep commitment to service, Della brings together faith-based principles, community collaboration, and trauma-informed practices to create meaningful impact. Her work reflects a lifelong passion for helping others rise above adversity and rediscover their voice, strength, and purpose. Della continues to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose—ensuring that every program within Angels of Love embodies the organization’s guiding belief: that love, compassion, and justice can heal and transform lives.

    46 min

  4. 11/24/2025

    Podcast with Dr. Adame: Sandra M. Garcia, HWNT Past Chair and Community Leader

    During the March 2025 Sandra Garcia shared a bit of her story with us. Sandra is currently the Manager of Public Affairs with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) as well as the RailPAC Assistant Treasurer. She worked for the City of Fort Worth and recently ended her career with retirement after 25 years as a Management Analyst. Sandra Maria Garcia is the Past State Chair of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas. Previously she served as the State Chair with responsibility for 10 chapters across Texas with 800 members. She is a board member of the Cuidado Casero Foundation, Texas Wesleyan University President’s Advisory Board, and serves as Treasurer with the Tarrant County College Foundation Board and the new Latino Cultural Center de Fort Worth. She is past board member of the YWLA Foundation. Sandra is also a member of the BNSF Women’s Network and Hispanic Leadership Council. She served as the HWNT Fort Worth Chapter Chair. She previously served as Chair Elect, State Representative, and Marketing Chair along with various committees. Sandra served as Vice President of MANA de North Texas and Secretary. She also served as Treasurer of Juntos Se Puede and on the advisory board. Sandra is also a founding member of the City of Fort Worth’s Hispanic Leadership Organization. Sandra holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and a Master’s in Management from Texas Wesleyan University. Sandra is an alum of Leadership Fort Worth and Leadership ISD Tarrant County. She was selected as one of HWNT’s Estrellas de Tejas in 2018 and Shining Star in 2017. Sandra was also selected for a Community Fellowship from Leadership ISD for 2020-2021. In 2023, she was awarded a Heroes for Children Award from the Texas School Board of Education for District 13 for her advocacy for students and public education. In 2023, Sandra was selected as of the Top Latino Leaders by the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In 2024, Sandra was awarded the Girls Scouts Woman of Distinction by the Texas Oklahoma Plains Girls Scouts Chapter for her non-profit with girl organizations in addition to the Hispanic Lifestyle Women of Influence Award

    43 min

  5. 08/06/2025

    Podcast with Dr. Adame: Sabrina Walker Hernandez, President/CEO, Support World Hope

    In memory of the amazing mother, wife, community leader and person she was, thank you Sabrina for the legacy you have left behind. A path of strength, empathy, and beautiful memories that you shared with everyone that knew you! In this episode interview from 2023, Sabrina Walker Hernandez shares about her childhood memories and how it was for her growing up. She discusses her adversities and also provides life advice. Sabrina talks about her faith in God and how she made it through the difficult times during her cancer journey. Sabrina was a certified consultant, coach, facilitator and bestselling author. Sabrina held a Certification in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas Pan American. She was the President and CEO of Supporting World Hope, a coaching and consulting agency specializing in management fundraising. Sabrina was an active community leader and volunteer. This service reflected in her induction into the Border Fest Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame; she was named a Rotary Rotarian of the Year and a Paul Harris Fellow twice and also been the recipient of the Golden Fire Hydrant from Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department.

    45 min

  6. 06/01/2025

    Podcast with Dr. Adame, Eliza M. Garza, Author

    Eliza M. Garza is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur in South Texas. Eliza is passionate about her Hispanic heritage and is proud to integrate it into the many facets of her life. She believes that part of a child’s pathway to empowerment and authenticity is identifying, understanding, and embracing their culture at a young age so they can be prouder of who they are. Eliza is the founder of Adventure In A Cup; a program that provides children with the opportunity to learn the principles of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and goal setting by practicing with their own raspa stand for a day. Eliza is passionate about advocating for mental health, enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her spoiled poodle named Brinkley, being an active member of her community, and hosting collaborative and empowering events in her spare time.

    55 min

  7. 04/01/2025

    Persistence in Adversity Podcast, Benjamin Valdez, Manager

    In this episode Benjamin Valdez shares about his early years and his experiences. He shares life experiences as well as his biggest adversity and what helped him overcome his obstacles. Mr. Valdez has had many hats throughout his life, in this conversation with him he provides life advice and also discusses how it was growing up without his father.

    45 min

  8. 01/05/2025

    Persistence in Adversity Podcast, Easton Gomez, Author

    Easton Gomez is a home-schooled 7-year-old who became an author at a very young age. Easton is from the Rio Grande Valley and he has published 2 books. He wanted to follow his father's footsteps by writing a book about using your money wisely. You can find his books at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other places. Easton Learns to Save is his first book, and Easton Learns to Budget is his latest book.

    24 min
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Share success stories, interviews, on how people overcame adversity to reach their goals and encourage others to do the same; discuss persistence, career success, mentoring, community engagement/involvement, bridges, tactics and key skills to reach personal, educational and professional achievement.

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