Our Story
The Adelante Institute was born from a shared dream and the unshakable determination of three first-generation college students and professionals who knew firsthand the power of education, professional development, and community. Among them was Andrea, whose journey epitomized the mission of the Institute: to help facilitate pathways for others like her.
Andrea's story began in middle school, where her curiosity often outpaced her resources. It was there she met Mr. Mark Lopez, a science teacher whose passion for education matched Andrea's hunger for knowledge. Mr. Lopez saw her potential and took her under his wing, emphasizing the transformative power of education. He introduced Andrea to the wonders of science and innovation, sparking a lifelong love of discovery. “We are all made of stardust.” Borrowing the words of astronomer Carl Sagan, Mr. Lopez used them to remind Andrea and her classmates that they were part of something far bigger than themselves. “Understand the universe, and you’ll understand how we all have the power to contribute to something greater,” he’d say. His words planted the seed for Andrea’s dream of creating impact in her community.
Mr. Lopez’s guidance didn’t stop after middle school. Throughout high school, he continued to mentor Andrea, teaching her practical skills like resume writing and navigating college applications. With his help and unwavering support, Andrea successfully applied to and was admitted to the only university she dared to dream of (and apply to!)—the University of Texas at Austin.
When Andrea arrived at UT Austin, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. In fact, she felt more out of place than ever. For the first time, she was truly on her own—there was no one to guide her, no one from her high school graduating class to lean on. She was the only one who had made it to UT, and the weight of that reality was isolating. Andrea was intimidated by the very idea of office hours, unsure of how to approach professors for help. Even the simplest routines were overwhelming; for the first time, breakfast wasn’t waiting for her, lovingly prepared by her mom. She had to learn to make her own meals, navigate public transit (having never taken a bus before), and figure out life without anyone telling her what to do. There was a kind of freedom in that, but it was also accompanied by a deep sense of loneliness.
Amid these struggles, Andrea found another guiding light: Dr. Liesl Nydegger, a public health professor whose passion for social programs resonated deeply with Andrea. Dr. Nydegger recognized Andrea’s innate ability to connect with people and her relentless curiosity about the systems that shaped their lives. She encouraged Andrea to explore public health, a field that combined Andrea’s love for research, social initiatives, and community impact. With Dr. Nydegger’s mentorship, Andrea began to find her footing, transforming feelings of isolation into a drive to make a difference—not just for herself, but for others navigating similar challenges.
With Dr. Nydegger’s mentorship, Andrea not only thrived in her studies but also found the courage to dream even bigger. During her senior year of undergrad she applied to graduate school, driven by her desire to create programs that would make education and professional development accessible to underserved communities. Andrea was accepted into the graduate program at New York University in New York City, a moment of immense pride and accomplishment. However, her dreams were put on hold when her father tragically passed away due to COVID-19. Faced with this heartbreaking loss, Andrea had to defer her admission to prioritize her family and their needs.
During her gap year, Andrea worked as a Research and Evaluation Analyst for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. There, she met Dr. Rebecca Farrell, a leader who would forever change the way Andrea viewed herself and her potential. Dr. Farrell challenged Andrea to step into every room with confidence, to own her voice, and to never shy away from asking the hard questions.
Under Dr. Farrell’s mentorship, Andrea refined her skills and grew into a professional who believed she belonged in any space she entered.
Inspired by the mentors who had shaped her life, Andrea knew she wanted to create something bigger than herself—a program that could provide others with the same opportunities and guidance she had been given. She reached out to two close friends, both first-generation professionals who shared her vision of empowerment through education. Together, they founded the Adelante Institute, an organization dedicated to serving first-generation students and helping them develop professionally. The Institute focuses on providing mentorship, educational resources, and guidance to students from Laredo, Texas—where Andrea and her co-founders grew up.
Adelante Institute bridges that gap by offering tailored support to students with similar backgrounds, ensuring they have access to the tools and mentorship needed to succeed. Through workshops, professional mentoring, and workshops, the organization helps first generation students with everything from writing resumes and navigating financial literacy to cultivating the confidence to step into unfamiliar spaces.
By working closely with local schools in Laredo, the Institute builds a pipeline of support, showing students that their dreams are attainable—even if they’re the first in their families to pursue them. Adelante’s mission is rooted in the belief that no one should have to walk this journey alone, just as Andrea’s mentors walked alongside her. Through Adelante, students not only gain the skills they need to move forward but also find a community that uplifts and inspires them to become leaders in their own right.
The Institute is named after the Spanish word for “forward,” a testament to its mission of progress and perseverance. Today, Adelante Institute continues to build on the legacy of community that shaped the founders life, proving that with the right support, anyone can move forward—and inspire others to do the same.