Adelante · Hispanic Heritage Month 2026
Brenda L. Sanchez-Pineda
Vice President, People and Culture, North America, Robertet Inc.
People and HR chapter
Brenda L. Sanchez-Pineda is Vice President, People and Culture, North America, at Robertet Inc., where she is building new financial-support benefits so employees stop borrowing against their retirement. She finished her bachelor’s degree over ten years while working full time, then went on to a master’s. Her advice to the next leader: when you are scared, do it scared.
01What she's building
What are you building right now, and what does it make possible that wasn't possible before?
Currently working on additional benefits for our employees. This includes additional options for financial support. I find that too many employees are dipping into their retirement funds for loans we can offer through external partnerships. The economic landscape is pretty tough right now. Due to significant layoffs, many employees are finding themselves as the only breadwinner in a home where they used to have two incomes. This is proving to be a very difficult time for many. We are working to offer additional benefits during this time, so they do not continue to borrow from their retirement funds.
02What it took
What did it take to get here that people don't see?
It took me 10 years to complete my bachelor’s degree (while working full time) because I had no financial aid. At the time, my job paid for one class and I paid for the other. Once I joined Avon Corporate Headquarters, I was able to finish my bachelor’s and go on to obtain my master’s degree, due to their 100% Tuition Reimbursement program.
A lot of resilience, late nights studying and relentless determination. I worked full time and went to school in the evenings. At times getting home at midnight after school. Once I reached that goal, I realized I can do anything I put my mind to.
03Who carried her
Who carried you, and what did they teach you that you still use every week?
My mom has carried me through it all. She is still with me (lives with me) and is still my biggest cheerleader and support. She has always taught me to do the right thing, even when it is not the popular vote. Be kind to everyone, stand on courage, honor and dignity. These are the values that surround everything I do in my life.
04For the leader coming up
What is the one thing you'd tell the leader coming up behind you?
Do not stop. Do not give up. When you are scared, do it scared. When you are unsure, do it unsure. If you feel sick, do it sick! No matter what, do it. You will learn from it every time.
When you are scared, do it scared. When you are unsure, do it unsure.
05Adelante
Adelante means forward. Where are you taking your function, your company, or your industry next?
I have been with my current company for 10 years. It is a wonderful company with great leaders who care about our employees. One of my goals is to make the Great Place to Work list and become the company where everyone reaches their goals.
The recognition · People and HR
Brenda L. Sanchez-Pineda leads People and Culture for Robertet in North America, and right now she's building new financial-support benefits so employees stop borrowing against their retirement to get through a hard economy. She finished her bachelor's over ten years while working full time, paying for one class while her job paid for the other. Her advice to the next leader: "When you are scared, do it scared." She is recognized in the People and HR chapter.
Meet all the Adelante leadersThe Floor
Every leader recognized in Adelante answers a short set of questions in their own words, and the answers they approve go into the 2027 book.
