Advertise on podcast: Persistence in Adversity with Dr. Adame

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode Cristina Solis Wilson shares a bit of her background story, her successes and struggles. She also discusses life stories as a mom, veteran, entrepreneur, and author. In addition, Mrs. Wilson provides life advice and a bit of her adversities and what helped her overcome them. Cristina, Cris as her friends call her, stands as a distinguished Combat Veteran, bringing over 25 years of exemplary service in the U.S. Army Reserve to her multifaceted career. A decorated military professional, she has undertaken five deployments, earning accolades for her unwavering commitment to discipline and courage. Mrs. Wilson is armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from The University of Texas-Pan American. A strategic visionary, Cristina assumes the role of Chief Strategy Officer at Entrepreneur Power Network. Cristina is not only a military leader but also a dedicated entrepreneur, serving as the CEO of CM Institute of Leadership LLC. Additionally, she co-founded Crossroads Academy, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating leadership skills in economically disadvantaged youth. Her commitment to leadership education extends to her role as the Chair for the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas-RGV Chapter (HWNT-RGV). In 2023, she was named “Chapter of the Year” by the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas for her outstanding leadership and local impact. In 2017, she co-founded AMVETS Post 107, aimed at supporting veterans and improving their quality of life, along with their families and communities, through leadership, advocacy, and services. In recognition of her outstanding influence and leadership, Cristina Solis Wilson was named the 2024 Latina of Influence by Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine and the 2023 Woman of Influence by SUCCESS Magazine, adding another prestigious accolade to her illustrious career. A devoted wife to her loving husband Michael Wilson and a nurturing mother to Michelle and Christian, Cristina is a true embodiment of family values, dedication, and service. In addition to her professional achievements, she finds fulfillment in giving back to her community through volunteering, mentoring, and active participation in various initiatives.

In this episode Heather Ayala Segovia shares about her early years and entrepreneurship journey. She also shares about her childhood dream of becoming an author, which is now a reality. Heather is the owner of St. Michaels Ambulance Service and an author.

Dr. Annabelle Palomo, a native of the Rio Grande Valley, boasts an impressive academic background, having obtained a bachelor's, master’s, and doctorate in education from the University of Texas Pan American. With 17 years of experience in various educational roles, including teacher, principal, and executive director, she eventually pursued her passion by establishing a post-secondary institute to enhance educational opportunities for local students. In addition to founding Rio Grande Valley College (RGV College), where she serves as CEO, Dr. Palomo has made significant strides in the Nursing and Allied Health Fields. Starting with just five students in a Certified Nurse Aide program, she utilized her educational expertise to expand RGV College to offer nine programs, including vocational nursing, medical assistant, pharmacy technician, and others. In this episode Dr. Palomo shares about her early years growing up in the RGV, shares life advice, and how she was able to reach her goals. She also talks about being a woman of faith, and how God has blessed her, and provides life advice. At the end of the podcast Dr. Palomo shares a bit of advice in Spanish.

In this episode Dr. Nora De Hoyos Comstock, La Comadre, share her story of Las Comadres and a bit of her story. Dr. Nora is originally from the Rio Grande Valley and is the Founder of las Comadres para las Americas. This network of women was created with the purpose to support other women to excel in all areas of their life. Dr. Nora shares a bit of her personal story, her education, and also about how this network of extraordinary women began. She also talks about her struggles and what helped her succeed.

Marie Salazar Garcia is a passionate professional with a diverse range of expertise. She currently serves as the Business Development Representative for SAMES, Inc., where she specializes in the residential, land development, and economic development industries. Additionally, Marie holds the position of Sales Director with Mary Kay, where she finds fulfillment in inspiring beauty and enriching lives. In this episode Marie share about her early years and becoming a mom at only the age of 19. She also talks about her adversities and how she defines success. Marie provides advice to moms and to those that want to have a long-lasting impact in the community and shares about her 100-year plan. Also discusses her experience being a young mother of three and how she juggled work and mom duties.

In this episode Dr. Felipe Sustaita shares his story of how he went from being a migrant worker to having a seat at the table. Also shares about not having a bed until he went to Michigan State University, and how picking strawberries and other fruit made him the person who he is today. He wrote a book dedicated to his father who taught him the importance of keeping your word. Felipe also discusses how he came up with the idea of the book, how it was growing up, working 12-14 hours when he was just 11 years old. Also talks about growing up in Donna Texas, the RGV, and arriving to the university without being able to read or write, and now he has earned a doctorate degree.

In this episode Dr. ET shares her story of being an immigrant to this country and how she would travel every day to and from Mexico to come to school in the United States while in elementary. She discusses some of her struggles and how this has impacted her life. Dr. ET provides life advice and also shares how she fell through the cracks in high school and later earned a GED.

Dr. John “Push” Gaines, former at-risk youth, is the CEO and founder of PUSH for Dreams. He's a best-selling author and Emmy-Nominated Speaker. Dr. Gaines Holds a bachelor’s degree from East Central University, where he was honored as The Outstanding Student in Business and Led the Football Team to Victory as Captain. He Also Has A master’s degree in business leadership and a Doctorate in Business Administration. Dr. John Gaines shares his life story and how he overcame all of the adversities. Being a foster child, he faced many roadblocks however none of them turned him bitter. One day when he was seven years old, he wrote a goal of one day being a doctor and be a role model just like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and now he has reached that goal and is changing the world. Author of three books and a fourth one coming soon. Being a family man is his greatest accomplishment. Some of the life advice he shares are: trust God's timing, enjoy the present, focus on the positive, have a positive mindset, and you don't have to do life alone. He also shares that his faith and relationship with God is the most important thing in his life.

  Her first job, as a high school dropout, was at fifteen, working for the Kirby Vacuum Company. She later got her GED and completed her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in Special Education where she found a deep passion for teaching students with exceptionalities.  She later completed her doctoral coursework in business and leadership. She is best known for her creativity and her willingness to help others.