A Legacy of Dedication: Yolanda and Roy Espinoza

For 22 consecutive years, FWCD grandparents Yolanda and Roy Espinoza have been steadfast supporters of Fort Worth Country Day, maintaining their Keystone giving with the same unwavering commitment they bring to everything in their lives. 

Yolanda’s commitment to FWCD extends beyond that of a devoted grandparent. After working in the corporate world, Yolanda has faithfully served in FWCD’s Admission Office for the past 22 years, where she credits the inimitable former Director of Admission, Barbara Jiongo, for teaching her everything she needed to know. The Espinozas have loyally supported the Dorothy and A.B. Waldron Memorial Scholarship Fund at FWCD, which Jiongo established in memory of her parents. The scholarship is specifically for grandchildren of FWCD faculty and staff who might not otherwise be able to attend FWCD. 

Yolanda’s engaging personality, fluency in Spanish, and genuine care for prospective families have made her an invaluable ambassador for the School. Her professional dedication has allowed her to witness firsthand the transformative power of an FWCD education, reinforcing her family’s belief in supporting the institution. When it came time for their grandchildren to attend school, Roy, a self-proclaimed “public school guy,” still had to be convinced to send them to Country Day. However, it took Roy attending only one Falcon Open House before he was officially “hooked.” Roy, amazed at everything FWCD had to offer, proclaimed, “You all really have your act together.” The rest, as they say, is history when “Nana” and “Lito” – as Yolanda and Roy are lovingly called by their grandchildren – started making the sacrifices necessary to make it possible for their grandchildren to attend FWCD. 

The Espinoza family’s connection to FWCD is beautifully demonstrated through the lives of their five Falcon grandchildren: Adrian Avitia ’19, Angela Avitia ’21, Matthew Lopez ’26, Jazmine Gomez ’22, and Esteban Gomez ’26. Each has walked the halls of FWCD, all benefiting from the exemplary education that has shaped their paths forward. Whether cheering from the sidelines at baseball, soccer and football games or wrestling matches, applauding at a ballet or theatre performance, or witnessing academic achievements in the classroom, Yolanda and Roy have been present for every important milestone. Their enthusiasm is infectious and their pride unmistakable.

One of Yolanda and Roy’s favorite first-day-of-school traditions is treating their grandchildren and their families to breakfast at the iconic Paris Coffee Shop in Fort Worth. Since Matthew and Esteban are graduating in 2026, it is a tradition she will miss after she retires next year. 

Through their sustained generosity, active participation, and genuine care for the FWCD community, Yolanda and Roy exemplify the transformative power of giving to education. Their long-term commitment reflects a deep belief in education’s ability to shape young lives and strengthen families and communities for generations to come.