Our Story

The Adelante Institute was born from the shared vision of three first-generation college graduates determined to create pathways for others like them. At the heart of the story is Andrea, whose journey reflects Adelante’s mission: to uplift through education, mentorship, and community.

Andrea’s curiosity sparked early in middle school, when her science teacher, Mr. Mark Lopez, became a guiding light. He introduced her to the power of education and instilled in her a sense of purpose, reminding her and her classmates, “We are all made of stardust.” as astronomer Carl Sagan used to say. His mentorship continued through high school, helping Andrea apply to the only college she dared dream of—The University of Texas at Austin.

College brought new challenges. Andrea felt out of place and alone, facing everything from academic intimidation to learning how to navigate life on her own. It wasn’t until she met Dr. Liesl Nydegger, a public health researcher and professor, that she began to find her footing. Dr. Nydegger saw Andrea’s potential and encouraged her to pursue public health, where Andrea’s passions for research, equity, and service could thrive.

Thanks to Dr. Nydegger’s support and newfound confidence, Andrea applied to graduate school and was accepted into NYU. But her plans were interrupted when her father passed away from COVID-19. She deferred her admission to support her family and spent her gap year working at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, where Dr. Rebecca Farrell became another key mentor, helping Andrea step into her professional power. Eventually, Andrea attended and graduated from UT Austin’s Graduate School with a Masters degree.

Inspired by the mentors who shaped her path, Andrea joined forces with two close friends to create the Adelante Institute—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting first-generation students from Laredo, Texas. 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.