Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriana.
Hi Adriana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always believed that learning is both a journey and a calling. As the oldest of four siblings and a first-generation college graduate, my journey didn’t begin in a classroom—it began at home, where I became the first and only member of my six-person family to earn a college degree. When I graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2013, I knew I wanted to give back. That’s why I returned to my alma mater, YES Prep Public Schools, through Teach For America. From there, I taught 7th and 8th grade English in Houston ISD, learning just as much from my students as they learned from me.
In 2017, I took a leap—both personally and professionally—and moved to Mexico City to teach English at an International Baccalaureate® school. It was there that I finally confronted something I had long struggled with: my relationship with Spanish. Growing up in Houston in an English-speaking household, I often felt shame for not knowing the language tied to my heritage. But Mexico City gave me the gift of immersion. I learned Spanish not from textbooks, but from the people, the culture, and my daily life. It healed something in me.
When I returned to Texas, I moved to Austin, determined to pivot into Ed Tech. While still teaching—and during a global pandemic—I earned my M.A. in Educational Technology Leadership and a graduate certificate in Instructional Design from George Washington University. Before completing my master’s degree, I worked as an Instructional Designer at Eduscape, where I designed training programs specifically for teachers. This foundational experience fueled my passion for creating impactful learning experiences. Following that, I joined Yahoo! in a Learning & Development role supporting Sales L&D initiatives—developing engaging, learner-centered content and refining my skills in adult learning strategies. Most recently, I spent two years as a Learning & Development Specialist at CBTS | OnX Tech Solutions. There, I designed and delivered global training solutions for over 2,500 employees and proudly founded the Hispanic Origin & Latin American Employee Resource Group (HOLA ERG), fostering cultural pride and professional growth within the organization.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to be stepping into a new chapter as a Senior Learning and Development Specialist at Owens & Minor. I haven’t started yet, but I’m eager to bring my passion for growth, innovation, and strategic learning as part of the Global Leadership Development team to a company that plays such a vital role in the healthcare industry.
I’ve come to embrace my journey as one marked by curiosity, courage, and change. I’m not afraid to leap—even if I don’t have all the answers yet—because I trust my ability to adapt, learn, and lead. That spirit has carried me from Houston classrooms to international schools, from self-doubt to self-leadership. And I know I’m just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being the oldest of four siblings and a first-generation college graduate, I carried the weight of responsibility early on. I had no blueprint to follow—just determination and the hope that I could set a path for those who would come after me. Growing up in an English-speaking household in Houston, I also struggled with my cultural identity. I often felt ashamed for not speaking Spanish, and even more so for not trying harder to learn—a disconnect that stayed with me for years. Professionally, my journey has been anything but linear. Transitioning from the classroom to the corporate world required me to re-skill quickly, often while still teaching full-time. I pursued a master’s degree and a graduate certificate during a global pandemic, juggling it all with tenacity and a lot of late nights. Throughout it all, imposter syndrome has been a quiet companion—especially as I’ve stepped into new spaces where I didn’t always see people who looked like me or shared my background. But those same challenges became my fuel. They’ve shaped the kind of leader I am: resilient, adaptable, and deeply committed to helping others navigate their own growth.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I design learning experiences that help people grow—whether they’re stepping into a new role or evolving in the one they’re in. My career began in the classroom, where I taught middle and high school English in Texas and abroad. Outside of work, I love designing travel itineraries and curating unique adventures, often acting as a local tour guide in cities like Austin and Mexico City. I enjoy sharing my experiences by posting detailed Google reviews of places I visit, and I’m currently developing a YouTube channel to bring my passion for visual storytelling to a wider audience.
Teaching gave me a deep understanding of how people learn, how to connect across cultures, and how to turn challenges into growth opportunities.
Today, I work in corporate learning and development, specializing in instructional design and digital learning. I’m known for making complex concepts simple, for bringing creativity to every project, and for leading with empathy. I love building learning experiences that not only transfer knowledge but spark curiosity and confidence.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend a teacher’s heart with a designer’s mindset. I approach every learning solution with adaptability, intention, and a commitment to helping others thrive.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
When people ask what brings me joy, my answer is simple: family, friends, and exploration. My loved ones are my anchor, no matter where I go in the world. I love sharing stories from my travels, sending photos from new places, and keeping our connection strong across time zones. Traveling fills me with wonder—it’s a chance to discover new places, meet people with different perspectives, and find common ground in the unexpected. I especially value the moments of cultural and language exchange: chatting with locals, picking up new phrases, and savoring meals that tell the story of a region. Those small, shared moments create a lasting sense of connection and belonging.
Outside of work, I’m fueled by creativity and grounded by presence. Yoga helps me slow down and stay rooted, while my creative spirit shows up in everything I do—from documenting my travels and curating itineraries to designing joyful learning experiences and hosting dinner parties. Whether I’m wandering a vibrant market or planning the perfect coffee stop for a friend, I see every journey as a canvas for self-expression, connection, and growth. That blend of curiosity, culture, and creativity is what makes me feel most alive.
I’m incredibly close to my family, being the oldest of four siblings, and they’ve always been a source of support and inspiration. No matter where I go, they’re my home base, and I love sharing my experiences with them—whether it’s sending them pictures from a new place I’m visiting or recounting stories over a video call. Traveling gives me the opportunity to not only discover new places, but also to connect with the people who call them home, forming bonds that often last far beyond my trip.
Traveling is one of my greatest passions. I love exploring new places, immersing myself in different cultures, and savoring cuisines that tell the story of a region. Whether it’s wandering through colorful markets, tasting street food, or chatting with locals, I always seek opportunities for cultural exchange. Language is a big part of this for me—learning new phrases, practicing conversational skills, and appreciating the nuances of different languages adds a richer layer to my travels. There’s something truly special about connecting with others in a shared language, even if it’s just for a few minutes, and I always feel a deeper sense of belonging when I engage in these cultural and language exchanges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adrianasalinas.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tejanitavibes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adriana.d.salinas
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianadsalinas/
