Bella Esquenazi
Bella Esquenazi is an accomplished Outside Sales Consultant with UniFirst Corporation and a passionate advocate for equitable education. With over a decade of experience spanning education, global commerce, healthcare outreach, and corporate sales, Bella combines strategic thinking with a commitment to community impact. She studied International Business Management at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and currently holds a Bachelor of Bilingual Ee, at Texas A&M International University. Her professional expertise includes sales negotiation, lead generation, and project management, which she leverages to deliver results in both corporate and nonprofit settings. As the founder and executive director of the STEM & Literacy Center of South Texas, Bella leads initiatives like LDO TX STREAM and Duffles of Love, creating programs that empower underserved students and communities. She has presented internationally on STEM equity, published research on Hispanic student success, and holds certifications in reading intervention, language enrichment, and STEM education for elementary grades. Bella’s lifelong commitment to learning and research fuels her innovative approach to educational programming, teacher mentorship, and community enrichment. Outside of her professional and nonprofit work, Bella is a devoted mother of five and enjoys spending time with her husband and family. She collects children’s picture books, embraces lifelong learning, and continues to grow both personally and professionally. Bella’s most significant career achievement is bringing the STEM & Literacy Center to life, hoping to providing students, teachers, and the broader community with a dynamic learning enrichment academy that fosters curiosity, inclusivity, and academic growth.
• Texas A&M International University - B.Ed.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my perseverance and unwavering determination to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never give up—if something truly matters to you, you have the ability to achieve it.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take up space—early and unapologetically.
Don’t wait for permission to speak, lead, or offer ideas. Your perspective is valuable because of who you are and the lived experiences you bring. Confidence grows through repetition, not perfection.
Build relationships, not contacts.
Find mentors, allies, and people who genuinely believe in your growth. Nurture those relationships. Your network will open doors that talent alone can’t.
…and never stop learning!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my career has been balancing my roles as a parent, spouse, professional, and friend while maintaining my personal well-being.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are loyalty, a strong work ethic, and fostering meaningful community partnerships.