Smart Start’s Esmeralda Yado Honored with South Texas MADD Community Partner Award

Esmeralda Yado, Smart Start Franchise Owner and Judicial Services Liaison, has been recognized by the South Texas Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) chapter for her outstanding commitment and dedication to eliminate impaired driving through awareness and prevention within her community. MADD is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending drunk driving and supporting victims of impaired driving crashes.

Esmeralda received the South Texas MADD Community Partner Award on August 28, 2024, at the annual Law Enforcement Recognition event. Each year, this event honors officers, district attorneys, and community partners for their commitment to preventing impaired driving. The recipient of this award is chosen by nominations.

Smart Start in South Texas

Esmeralda and her husband, Agustin Yado, have been involved with Smart Start since 1997, when Agustin began as a technician at Smart Start’s corporate headquarters. Eventually, they decided to move back home to McAllen, TX to be closer to family. That’s when Smart Start approached Agustin to become the franchise owner and operator of a service center in Brownsville, TX which opened its doors in January of 2012.

Today, Agustin and Esmeralda own and operate two service center locations. The original location in Brownsville, as well as one in Harlingen, TX. These two locations serve Smart Start clients from Cameron, Willacy, and Kenedy counties who need Ignition Interlock services. Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock program offers a convenient and reliable solution for impaired driving offenders with an IID requirement and helps to save lives by preventing drunk driving.

A Passion for Helping People

Esmeralda has always been involved in her community, either through church or advocacy work. Now, she often volunteers with the South Texas MADD chapter by assisting victims of drunk driving with things like grocery donations or locating wheelchairs. She also volunteers at events and has presented at Victim Impact Panels by sharing personal stories and life experiences of people who have been affected by drunk driving.

At Smart Start, Esmeralda uses her passion for helping people to network with organizations in the community and connect clients with resources they need.

“We have clients with us for six months, a year, sometimes five years. I’ve gotten to know their families, know their struggles, and develop a working relationship to really make a difference,” she says.

When asked what keeps her motivated with her work at Smart Start, Esmeralda points to her desire to help people. “Do good always and don’t give up,” she says. “Great results will follow in due time.”