Staff spotlight: Brissa Borjas Esparza gives back to her community and clients

Small Towns

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From her community to her career to her family and beyond, Brissa Borjas Esparza strives to give back and treat others with kindness and an open heart.

Born and raised in a small town called Bucerias, Mexico, Brissa arrived in Grand Island, Nebraska, in 2003, to find a friendly and inclusive community, and loves her new home.

“Grand Island is a place that not only welcomes students, workers, and entrepreneurs, it’s also unique for being a place that is united by a set of ideas, no matter who you are, or where you’re from,” Brissa said.

Her warm welcome to the U.S. inspired Brissa to continue sharing that attitude throughout her day-to-day life as she settled into her new hometown.

“Becoming involved in my community has been one of my greatest experiences,” she said. “The leadership qualities and memories I’ve made from volunteering have built my character for the future, and I will always feel the need to give back to my community.”

She carries that mindset with her when it comes to her work. Brissa recently joined the Center for Rural Affairs as a bilingual business development specialist, serving southeast Nebraska.

“Being a part of the Center team gives me the opportunity to continue giving back to communities like mine,” she said. “I’m grateful that I get to make a positive impact by spreading the Center’s principles of diversity and inclusion.”

As a business development specialist, Brissa provides guidance to aspiring and existing business owners to help them overcome challenges and improve their businesses. She also offers knowledge, support, tools, resources, and accountability to socially and economically diverse populations of entrepreneurs.

“I get to meet and help people from a variety of backgrounds, all while feeling positive about how my work can contribute to society,” Brissa said.

When she’s not offering guidance to entrepreneurs, Brissa loves spending time with her husband and their three sons. Their weekends consist of soccer and basketball tournaments, family road trips, camping, and other outdoor activities.

Reach Brissa at the Center’s offices in Grand Island and Lincoln at 402.870.2749 or brissabe@cfra.org.