Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The 28th annual VAMOS Scholarship Banquet was a night of celebration and recognition for the newest recipients of the prestigious Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS), a four-year renewable scholarship program. Held at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, the event honored students’ dedication, hard work, and academic excellence, highlighting their potential to impact their communities and beyond significantly.
Chick-fil-A of the Rio Grande Valley donated $20,000 to the VAMOS Scholarship program this year, directly aiding students across South Texas and providing life-changing opportunities. This joint effort emphasizes the significance of engagement in promoting educational success and nurturing future leaders.
Among the distinguished speakers of the night was Ms. Amanda Esquivel, the owner and operator of Chick-fil-A in Mercedes. As she took the stage, she conveyed hope, drawing from her experiences to inspire the young scholars.
“Thank you. Good evening. I’m Amanda Esquivel, the owner and operator of Chick-fil-A in Mercedes. Let me start by congratulating you on this awesome accomplishment of being awarded a scholarship from VAMOS. It is truly an honor to stand before you today as you embark on this new chapter of your life. I’m reminded of my own journey that got me where I am today,” she began.
Amanda’s story is one of perseverance. “Like some of you here, I come from humble beginnings. I was born and raised in Edinburg, and I go Cougars. I am the middle child of seven. My parents faced various challenges growing up. My father, who lost his dad at the age of 11, was forced to begin working and did not finish middle school. My mom, who at the age of 15 had my oldest sister, did not finish high school to help the household.”
Despite these challenges, Amanda’s parents instilled in her the importance of education and hard work. “When I was young, my family would migrate to Georgia and work in the fields picking cucumber and squash. I’ll never forget the Georgia heat and the awful red dirt that never came off our clothes,” she recalled.
Amanda’s story continued with vivid recollections of those tough times. “But despite the heat, dirt, and sweat, we remained resilient. We were there to make a better tomorrow for our family. Education became my ideal of hope, my ticket to a better future. Despite my challenges, I held fast to the belief that through education, I could create a life filled with opportunity and purpose.”
This belief propelled Amanda to become the first in her family to graduate from college, earning a bachelor’s degree and later a master’s in business administration. Her journey into the business world began with humble steps. “One of my first jobs out of high school was at Target. I’d been working there for a few months when a coworker asked me if I wanted lunch at the new Chick-fil-A right in front. As I walked into the restaurant, I noticed a picture on the wall of a man who was the owner-operator of the establishment.”
Amanda was inspired by the presence of Mr. Rudy Martinez, the owner-operator featured in the picture. “I thought, wow, that’s so cool. I’d love to own a Chick-fil-A one day. And then I returned to Earth and said, Amanda, you barely have enough money to buy your own lunch, let alone own a Chick-fil-A.”
Amanda’s speech was more than words; it was proof that dreams come true and the belief in a brighter future. Her story, filled with challenges and triumphs, inspired hope in the scholarship recipients, reminding them that their accomplishments are just the beginning of their journey toward greatness.
Amanda shared her journey and the central moments that shaped her career. “I had my lunch and carried on with my day. My career has been one of diverse experiences, from a customer service associate at Target to a lecturer at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) to a manager at a dealership. Each role shaped me into the person I am today. I’m sorry. Oh, my goodness, sorry. Each was on a path toward realizing my true passion.”
Amanda recounted a significant moment in her career while working at the dealership. “I was tasked with leading a cultural transformation at the dealership. I was introduced to a business coach who would help provide the team with the tools and resources to deliver exceptional customer service. During that time with him, I was reintroduced to Chick-fil-A, a company known for its commitment to excellence and unparalleled guest experience.”
This reintroduction was a turning point for Amanda. “It was not surprising that they would play a video showcasing the culture of Chick-fil-A. As I watched the video, I felt a stirring within me—a sense of purpose I had longed for many years. Then, I decided to pursue a franchise opportunity with Chick-fil-A, despite all the doubts and uncertainties that had lingered in my mind since I was 17 years old.”
With the support of her husband and a persistent belief in her dreams, Amanda embarked on a 16-month journey filled with seven interviews that ultimately led her to become a Chick-fil-A franchisee. “Despite the challenges and obstacles that stood in my way, I committed to my vision, fueled by my desire to fulfill my goal and make a difference in the lives of others.”
Amanda reflected on her journey from working in Georgia’s fields to visiting the Chick-fil-A corporate office in Georgia, feeling a sense of coming full circle. “It wasn’t the hope or the wish for my dreams to come true. It was a lot of prayer and a lot of hard work.”
As she addressed the scholarship recipients, Amanda offered words of wisdom and encouragement: “As you embark on your college journey, I urge you to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, cherish the lessons learned, and never lose sight of the dreams that fuel your passion. Remember, success is not just about achieving your goals but about the journey you take to get there. Expect obstacles along the way, anticipate being tested, but never lose sight of your destination.”
Amanda sent her heartfelt congratulations to the students. “Your achievements are a testament to your dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Congratulations, and best of luck in all your future endeavors. Thank you so much.”
With its celebration of academic excellence and community support, the VAMOS Scholarship Banquet was undoubtedly made richer by Amanda Esquibel’s inspiring words and personal testimony of hard work and never giving up. 56 Students Received $850K at the 28th Annual VAMOS Scholarship Banquet.
