Tributes pour in for Sabrina Walker Hernandez

EDINBURG, Texas – Tributes have poured in for Sabrina Walker Hernandez, the effervescent, energetic, and passionate leadership coach from Edinburg, who has passed away.   

The nonprofit expert founded Supporting World Hope and Building Better Boards. She had battled two cancers, non Hodgkins lymphoma and multiple myeloma, for a number of years.

Walker Hernandez served as CEO of Edinburg Boys & Girls Club for a time. The group said:

“It is with profound sadness that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV mourn the passing of our beloved former CEO, mentor, and lifelong champion of youth, Sabrina Walker Hernandez.

“Sabrina dedicated her life to serving others—with courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our community. Through her leadership, vision, and heart, she transformed lives, built opportunities, and ensured that thousands of young people had a safe space to learn, grow, and thrive.

“Sabrina was more than a leader—she was family. She believed in the potential of every child and fought tirelessly to ensure they believed in themselves too.

“While our hearts are heavy, her legacy lives on in every young person who walks through our Club doors, in every lesson she shared, and in the lasting impact she made on this community.

“We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. Please join us in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Walker Hernandez was a board trustee for the Museum of South Texas History. The museum said:

“If you were lucky enough to know Sabrina, you already know what a force she was. You felt her presence the moment she walked into a room. You saw the way she lifted people up, pushed for better, and believed deeply in the power of community.

“She wasn’t just a trustee of the Museum of South Texas History. She was a champion for the entire region. You might have worked with her through a nonprofit, attended one of her trainings, or simply been inspired by her voice and vision.

“Sabrina gave her heart to this place. To South Texas. To people like you. Her legacy lives in the work she started and in every life she helped shape.

“If you’re feeling the weight of her loss, know that you’re not alone. We’re holding that space with you. And we’ll keep her spirit moving forward in the work she loved.

“With gratitude and love, The Museum of South Texas History.”

Walker Hernandez was on the board of director of Village in the Valley. The group said:

“Sabrina devoted her life to serving others, and her impact on our board, our community, and each of us personally is immeasurable. Though this moment is filled with sorrow, we know Sabrina would want us to smile, to celebrate her life, and to carry forward the joy and purpose she brought into the world.”

The City of Edinburg said: 

“The City of Edinburg is deeply saddened by the passing of Sabrina Walker Hernandez. Sabrina was a vibrant force in our community. She served as Chair of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, led our 2040 committees, and proudly represented Edinburg on our winning delegation for the All-America City Award. Her energy, kindness, and passion for service touched everyone she met. We are grateful for her lasting impact. Thank you, Sabrina. You will be missed.”

The AltaCair Foundation said: 

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sabrina Walker Hernandez, MPA. Sabrina was more than a member of our board of advisors, she was a guiding light, a friend, a pillar of strength, and a true champion for our mission at AltaCair. Her wisdom helped shape our strategy. Her presence uplifted our team. Her heart and leadership touched every corner of our community. We are forever grateful for the passion, vision, and service she shared so generously, not only with us, but with the entire Rio Grande Valley.

“Sabrina, your legacy will live on in the life of AltaCair and in every life you impacted. Thank you for being a beacon of light. You will be deeply missed.”

Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) President & CEO Felida Villarreal said:

“Heartbroken to hear about the passing of our beautiful friend Sabrina Walker Hernandez. She wasn’t just a colleague – she was my mentor, my guide, and one of my biggest cheerleaders in this work. From helping shape our strategic plan to instantly saying “yes” when I asked her to join our gala committee, Sabrina showed up for me in countless ways.

“I’ll miss her contagious laugh that could light up any room, her unwavering positivity even during tough times, and her generous spirit that was always ready with advice or connections when I needed them most. Thank you for everything, amiga. For your wisdom, your friendship, and for showing us all what it means to lead with both heart and vision.

“Love you forever.”

Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley said:

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our friend, mentor, and consultant, Sabrina Walker Hernandez.

“Sabrina was more than a guide—she was a light. As our development consultant, she challenged us to think bigger, to reach higher, and to grow not just as professionals, but as a team. Her wisdom, encouragement, and belief in our mission inspired each of us to be better—to give more, serve more, and lead with purpose.

“She believed deeply in the power of community and the importance of making a difference. And she did—every day.

“Sabrina, thank you for what you gave us: your time, your heart, your laughter, and your fierce belief in what we are capable of. Your legacy will live on in the work we continue to do, and in the lives we strive to uplift—just as you uplifted ours.

“With love and deepest gratitude, Your Food Bank RGV Family.”

Walker Hernandez started her company, Supporting World Hope, a coaching and consulting business, from her hospital bed while receiving a stem cell transplant. “What I do is I empower leadership, and I empower those who are trying to create profitable missions. I do strategic planning board education and leadership development, because running a nonprofit can be hard,” she told KVEO NBC 23.

On social media, Walker Hernandez described herself as “a pioneer in disrupting organizational deficiencies by revitalizing revenue, demolishing the glass ceiling, and establishing new stages through resilient leadership.”

As a board consultant, leadership coach, and retreat facilitator, Walker Hernandez said she saw her job as helping nonprofit and corporate boards unlock their full potential.

“With over $36 million raised, I’ve helped mission-driven organizations increase revenue, align leadership, and ignite performance. I once raised $14 million in the third poorest county in the U.S., and my clients regularly triple their revenue by implementing systems that work,” she said.

Walker Hernandez held a Harvard Business School Certification in Nonprofit Management, a Master’s degree in Public Administration, and trained over 10,000 leaders across numerous sectors. “I bring nonprofit heart and corporate-level precision to every room I walk into,” she explained. “I train CEOs, boards of directors, and employees across diverse sectors in leadership skills focusing on revenue, relationships, and retention.”

Walker Hernandez also started Building Better Boards, a company that provides strategic planning, board education and leadership development to nonprofits and mission-driven businesses.”

Editor’s Note: Click here for an in-depth feature on Sabrina Walker Hernandez.

Editor’s Note: The Rio Grande Guardian will bring more tributes to Sabrina Walker Hernandez as they come in. 

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