PASADENA, Texas —This month, Pasadena Independent School District highlights Kicker Cardenas as our Alumni Spotlight of the month. Kicker Cardenas, owner of Kicker Insures Me Agency in Pasadena, Texas, has forged a thriving career in the insurance industry. Kicker's journey from a student in our district to a prominent business owner exemplifies the impact of a strong educational foundation. Pasadena ISD is proud to celebrate her achievements, as her contributions have been greatly appreciated in the community.

Can you share your educational journey within Pasadena ISD? 

Growing up in Pasadena, Kicker Cardenas attended Red Bluff Elementary, Southmore Intermediate, and Pasadena High School, graduating in 1996. Further, her father is also a Pasadena High School alumni, making their connection to the school a family legacy.

For Kicker, Pasadena ISD had a profound influence on her journey, shaping her values of hard work, resilience, and community pride. 

Tell us a little bit about your journey after you graduated from Pasadena ISD.

After graduating from Pasadena ISD, Kicker earned her associate degree from San Jacinto Community College. She then pursued a BS in Management Information Systems at the University of Houston - Clear Lake. While attending school, she worked as a teller for Wells Fargo Bank, which led her to understand her true career passion and helped her achieve her educational goals.

What values and skills did you gain from your time at PISD, and how have they influenced your career and personal growth?

Reflecting on her years as a student, Kicker recalls the lasting impact of her teachers and administrators, particularly math teachers, coaches, and band instructors. They taught her the value of hard work, resilience, and community pride.

"One of the biggest lessons was the value of hard work. I showed up consistently, put in the effort, and stayed committed," she says. Another significant lesson was resilience. "There were teachers, mentors, and coaches who believed in me. That encouragement taught me to keep going because every challenge was an opportunity to grow."

What inspired you to pursue your current career?

Reflecting on her unexpected career path, meeting people in the insurance world who shared their stories and paths of entrepreneurship motivated Kicker in a whole different perspective. "I never imagined myself in the insurance industry. I wanted to own my own business, initially thinking it would be in technology. They believed I could succeed and gave me the tools and support to move forward." 

"Sometimes the right opportunity finds you, even if it’s not what you were originally looking for."

What does it mean to you to be able to come back and help the Pasadena ISD community?

"It means the world to me. This is where I was raised, where I learned what it meant to work hard, stay grounded, and believe in something bigger than myself. Being able to now give back, to contribute to the very community that helped shape who I am, feels like a full-circle moment."

It’s more than just professional fulfillment—it’s a responsibility she carries with pride. "Whether it’s supporting students or working alongside families, I’m here to help create opportunities and inspire the next generation just like others once did for me. There's no greater honor than helping lift up your own community."

What personal aspirations do you hope to achieve through your career?

Kicker's ultimate goal is to build more than just a business. "It’s about creating a platform where team members find purpose, not just a paycheck. I want to shape an environment where people feel empowered to grow, lead, and create something meaningful together."

She also emphasizes balancing professional success with family life. "Life’s most important moments should be balanced with a successful career. I’m passionate about creating opportunities that are flexible and supportive. We can build something amazing professionally and be present for the moments that make life worth living."

What's your favorite part about your job?

As a business owner, Kicker's favorite part of her job is watching her team members grow beyond what they imagined. "There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing someone step into their potential, overcome challenges, and realize they’re capable of more than they thought possible."

"To me It’s not just about promotions or hitting goals—it’s about watching confidence build, passions ignite, and lives change. Being part of that journey, and knowing I had a role in creating the environment for that growth, is the most fulfilling part of what I do. It’s a constant reminder of why this work matters."

What's some advice you would give to current students or recent graduates?

"You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Life isn’t a straight line, and success doesn’t always follow the path you expected. You might have a vision for your future like becoming a doctor, a teacher, an entrepreneur. Don’t be surprised if your journey looks different than what you imagined."

"Every twist, every detour, every unexpected experience is part of shaping who you’re meant to become. So, give yourself the grace to explore, to try, to fail, and to grow. You’ll find your way! Stay true to yourself and utilize your personal core values as your guide. You might even discover something better than what you planned."

What else would you like students, past alums, and community members to learn from your spotlight?

"I’ve learned that appreciating the journey, the people around you, and even the smallest wins can make all the difference. For me, it’s the little things that matter most. Whether it’s a moment of connection, a word of encouragement, or showing up for someone when it counts, those are the things that stick and shape real success."