Texas Border Business
Mercedes, Texas – Congratulations to VIDA’s President & CEO, Felida Villarreal, for being named one of NextGen Collective’s 30 Under 30 honorees for 2024! This prestigious recognition celebrates 30 exceptional professionals (30 years old or younger), from across the U.S. who are making significant strides and setting new standards in their fields.
NextGen Collective is a movement for a new generation of Latino professionals, powered by Hispanic Executive. Hispanic Executive unites the leaders of the new majority. “By turning the spotlight to business’s most influential Latinos, we help drive our community’s unmatched economic, political, and social power. As we shape the dialogue on the cultural force that is Hispanic leadership, we amplify the voices of those driving growth in the global marketplace. But Hispanic Executive is more than just a magazine, and those we feature are more than just executives. We are a key resource for Latino leaders, providing a platform for them to elevate their thought leadership and connecting them with those who are redefining the international business landscape,” shares Hispanic Executive.
As a nonprofit leader, Felida embodies the innovation, passion, and leadership that drive VIDA’s success and inspire others. “I feel incredibly honored and humbled to receive this national recognition alongside fellow trailblazing Latinos, like my former Sharyland High School classmate, Samuel Garcia. The future of our communities is Latino, and this recognition is one I share with my entire team, board of directors, and mentors for their collective support in amplifying our impact. This is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the incredible wealth of talent and opportunity in the Rio Grande Valley. As someone born and raised here, I stand as living proof that our region’s public schools and institutions like South Texas College are world-class. Thanks to innovative initiatives such as STC’s Dual Enrollment Program, I was able to jumpstart my career during high school and graduate with a bachelor’s degree at just 20 years old. My journey underscores a crucial message to our youth: you don’t need to leave the RGV to be successful. The foundations for extraordinary achievement are right here in our community. Con esfuerzo, perseverancia, y colaboración tenemos un enorme potencial para seguir rompiendo barreras y crear más oportunidad para nuestra comunidad Latina,” shares Villarreal.
Felida Villarreal possesses a decade of experience in accounting and financial management. She is a licensed certified public accountant (CPA), holding a master’s degree of accountancy from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley and a bachelor’s degree of business administration with a major in accounting from the University of Texas Pan American. In her professional career, she has excelled in nonprofit leadership and workforce development through strategic partnerships and resource development at VIDA.
VIDA is a regional nonprofit organization founded in 1995 with a mission to empower Rio Grande Valley residents to achieve economic prosperity through market-driven training, resources, and career pathways. For nearly 30 years, VIDA has demonstrated to be a workforce development leader across Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron counties by providing wraparound support services to low-income learners for college access, persistence, and completion. For every $1 invested in VIDA, there is a return on investment of $15.69 to the communities served.
Don’t miss out on NextGen Collective’s 30 Under 30 list and learn more about the amazing work being done by these rising stars. Explore the full list of honorees and celebrate their accomplishments:
#30Under30 #NextGenCollective #LatinoLeaders
