Meet the Team
Felida Villarreal, CPA
President & CEO
Felida Villarreal, CPA
President & CEO
Felida Villarreal serves as President & CEO of VIDA, where she leads strategic planning, partnership development, and organizational growth while overseeing all operational, financial, and programmatic aspects of the workforce development nonprofit. Working closely with the Board of Directors, she guides organizational governance, policy development, and long-term sustainability planning to advance VIDA’s mission throughout the region. A licensed Texas CPA with 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, she brings over seven years of accounting and financial management experience from both public and private sectors since joining VIDA in 2020. In her executive role, Felida manages a dedicated team of professionals, secures and administers grant funding, and builds critical relationships with educational institutions, employers, and community stakeholders to create pathways to prosperity throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Felida is a proud mom to an 8-year-old daughter who inspires her commitment to creating educational opportunities for future generations.
Irma Garcia
Chief Program Officer
Irma Garcia is the Chief Program Officer at VIDA, overseeing program operations and staff to ensure successful outcomes and compliance across all funding sources. She began her journey with VIDA in 1997 as a Case Manager and has since advanced through several leadership roles, demonstrating unwavering dedication to student success. Irma holds a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitative Services from the University of Texas–Pan American and brings over 29 years of experience and a deep commitment to empowering others. Outside of work, Irma enjoys time with her family, is active in her church community, and is proud to be a mother and grandmother.
Isidro “Sid” Ramos
Director of Workforce & Economic Development
Mr. Ramos leads workforce development efforts that bridge skills gaps by partnering with industry, education and community stakeholders. He is committed to expanding career opportunities and economic mobility through innovative training solutions. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, cycling, and swimming.
Veronica Montemayor
Director of Finance
Veronica Montemayor, Director of Finance, brings over 19 years of leadership experience in banking, chamber of commerce operations, and economic development. Holding a Master’s in Finance from Southern New Hampshire University, she excels at driving financial strategy, building partnerships, and advancing initiatives that promote long-term economic and organizational success.
Amanda L. Rodriguez
Director of Development & Communications
Amanda L. Rodriguez serves as VIDA’s Director of Development and Communications, leading efforts to amplify the organization’s mission through strategic storytelling, fundraising, and external relations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and a Master’s in Public Affairs from UTRGV. Amanda is passionate about creating opportunities for underserved communities and takes pride in connecting people to VIDA’s impact through meaningful engagement. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Honesty Martinez
Director of Compliance
As Director of Compliance, Honesty Martinez ensures organizational accountability by overseeing data integrity, reporting, and adherence to funding requirements. With a passion for systems and process improvement, she plays a crucial role in ensuring operations run smoothly and efficiently. Outside of work, she enjoys listening to personal growth podcasts, relaxing at the beach, staying active through regular workouts, and diving into a good book.
Priscilla Alvarez
Career Advisor
Priscilla Alvarez has had a long-standing relationship with VIDA, having served in various capacities-including leading the organization as its Executive Director for more than 7 years. After retiring from the organization in 2022, she returned part time to continue to support its mission and remain connected to the organization. With deep experience in workforce development, she remains a dedicated advocate for VIDA’s meaningful, mission-driven work.
Aaron Leal
Employment Coordinator
Aaron Leal serves as VIDA’s Employment Coordinator and is currently working towards obtaining his Master’s Social Worker License (LMSW). He enjoys helping our students in their journey to self-sufficiency and financial independence. He also enjoys spending time with his family and giving back to the Veteran Community in the RGV.
Joanna Delgado
Accounting Specialist
Joanna Delgado serves as VIDA’s Accounting Support Specialist and has been a dedicated member of the organization for over a decade. In her role, she provides essential financial and administrative support to help advance VIDA’s mission. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and cherishes quality moments with her family.
San Juanita Sanchez
Senior Career Counselor / VIDA Graduate
San Juanita Sanchez is a Senior Career Counselor at VIDA with nine years of dedicated service, helping individuals transform their lives through higher education. Before joining VIDA, she spent a decade as a Paralegal specializing in Real Estate and Personal Injury. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of the Rio Grande Valley.
During her studies, she interned with Valley Interfaith of South Texas, a non-partisan community organization that played a key role in founding VIDA to expand access to education and better-paying jobs in the Rio Grande Valley. Her passion for helping others continues to guide her work as she mentors and empowers those seeking a better future through education.
Felicia Adams
Student Support Services Coordinator,
Special Populations Counselor
Felicia Adams is a Careers Counselor with VIDA, where she helps individuals pursue meaningful education and career paths. Though she holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, her passion lies in social work. She has previously served as a CPS Investigator, Hearing Manager at Evins Regional Juvenile Center, and Intervention Specialist with Behavioral Health Solutions. Each role allowed her to support others through challenges, and now at VIDA, she continues that mission by guiding individuals toward brighter futures. The first in her family of eight to graduate college, Felicia was raised by migrant worker parents and became a mother at 18—experiences that fueled her drive to succeed. In her free time, she enjoys Bible study, fishing, and spending time with her family and church community.
Alexandra Paras
Career Counselor
Alexandra Paras serves as a Career Counselor, where she assists students in securing employment while building valuable partnerships with organizations throughout the RGV. Her passion for helping individuals transform their lives drives her commitment to connecting students with meaningful career opportunities. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Philosophy from UTRGV, which provides her with a strong foundation for understanding and supporting student development. She enjoys unwinding with family vacations to Disney World, finding joy in the magical moments.
Kathia Martinez
Career Counselor
Kathia Martinez serves as a Career Counselor at VIDA and is currently pursuing her Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) license. She is passionate about guiding individuals as they discover purpose and direction in their careers. With a supportive and empathetic approach, Kathia empowers participants to overcome barriers and stay focused on their goals. Outside of work, Kathia enjoys spending time with her three dogs.
Mary Lou Saenz
Case Aide
Mary Lou Saenz, Case Aide, 6 years of experience in the non-profit sector and a strong background in Education and Career Services. Mary Lou also brings over 16 years of experience as a Pediatric Medical Assistant. This diverse skill set enables her to approach each case with empathy, precision, and a deep understanding of various client needs, ranging from career development to resource access.
Laurie Cruz
Recruiter
Laurie Cruz, is a Recruiter at VIDA, who is deeply passionate about helping students discover their strengths and build meaningful career paths. With a love for travel and experiencing new cultures, she brings creativity and open-mindedness to both her personal and professional life. Outside of work, she treasures spending time with her son through academic activities, sports, and exploring new places to create valuable memories. Her work is fueled by a genuine desire to empower others and make a positive impact in their lives.
Klarissa Varela
Industry Training Coordinator
Klarissa Varela serves as VIDA’s Industry/Outreach Specialist, connecting individuals to educational and workforce opportunities through community engagement and strategic partnerships. She holds a background in education and brings valuable experience working with underserved communities. Outside of work, Klarissa enjoys spending time with her children, growing in her faith, and learning new ways to serve her community.
Destiny N. Gomez
Industry/Outreach Specialist
Destiny Gomez serves as VIDA’s Cameron County Industry/Outreach Specialist, focused on expanding access to career training and education for those underserved in the community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in business from UTRGV and is passionate about using her journey to inspire others to pursue theirs. Outside of work, she leads worship at her local church and finds meaning in performing and writing music that uplifts and encourages others.
Vanessa Lira
Intake Specialist
Vanessa is an Intake Specialist at VIDA with a background in customer service and administrative support. She specializes in helping applicants navigate the initial steps of the application process, ensuring they feel welcomed, informed, and supported every step of the way. Her attention to detail and compassionate approach make her a key part of VIDA’s frontline team. Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Sabrinna Vento
Intake Specialist
Sabrinna Vento is an Intake Specialist assisting applicants in completing their applications. She holds an associate’s degree in social work and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in social work at this time. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and watching Netflix with her dog Zeppelin.
Cristina Yanes
Intake Specialist
Cristina Yanes joined the VIDA team in 2023 as an Intake Specialist. She brings over 15 years of customer service experience and enjoys connecting with applicants to learn how she can best support their needs. Cristina’s approachable nature and dedication to helping others make her an essential part of the intake process. Outside of work, Cristina enjoys watching movies, listening to music, and reading.