She didn’t want to be an employee forever — that’s what kept her going. From a small rented bedspace in Dubai to running three restaurant branches and winning an international award, Lourds Adala-Evertse is living proof that courage can turn struggle into success.
A Dream Born Under the Desert Sun
At just 19, Lourds arrived in Dubai in 2007 — fresh out of college, armed only with determination and hope.
“Coming from a family of OFWs, I always knew that once I finished my studies, I’d follow the same path,” she said. “My journey began like many others — searching for a job under the scorching heat.”
The heat was unforgiving. The days were long. And the rejection letters kept coming.
“I stayed with my sister in Deira on a visit visa,” she recalled. “I slept on the upper bunk because it was cheaper. I went to interviews in Al Quoz — and sometimes, I wouldn’t get hired. But I just kept going.”
Despite the hardships, the cum laude graduate of Laguna State Polytechnic University finally landed her first job — as a hotel receptionist in Naif. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a start.
Refusing to Settle
Over the years, Lourds climbed her way up, eventually becoming Chief Operating Officer of a business set-up company. But something inside her kept whispering — this isn’t the end of your story.
“After years of working, I realized I didn’t want to be an employee forever. I wanted to take a leap of faith and build something of my own,” she said.
So, she quit her job — not knowing that the world was about to shut down due to the pandemic.
Building a Business During the Pandemic
In the middle of lockdowns and uncertainty, Lourds co-founded her first restaurant in Sharjah. While others were closing, she was opening doors.
“It was a challenging time,” she said. “But we believed in resilience, perseverance, and the power of community. We made it our mission to hire Filipinos who lost their jobs during the pandemic.”
Her bravery paid off. That one restaurant grew into three branches — in Sharjah, BurJuman Mall, and Al Ghurair Mall — now employing 45 people, most of them fellow Filipinos.
Global Recognition: A Filipina Architect of Change
On September 5, 2025, Lourds received an email that changed everything. She had been named one of the Global FWN100 Awardees under the Builder – Architect of Change category by the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN).
“It’s such a proud and humbling feeling,” she said. “When you work hard and try to inspire others, people notice. Being recognized globally feels truly special.”
She was the only awardee from the UAE and stood alongside 18 other honorees at the Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco, USA on October 31, 2025.
As part of the selection, she proposed a project called “OFW to Overseas Filipino Entrepreneur (OFE)” — a platform to help Filipino women learn how to start and run businesses.
“I want to share what I’ve learned through workshops. If I can help even one Filipina take that leap, it’s worth it,” she said.
A Healthier Future for Kids
Never one to slow down, Lourds is already working on her next venture — a healthier soda alternative for kids, set to launch next year.
“It’s caffeine-free, with no added sugar, and packed with vitamins,” she shared. “I want to help reduce the growing trend of sugary and caffeinated drinks among children.”
A Legacy of Hope and Resilience
For Lourds, success isn’t just about profit — it’s about purpose.
“In a world full of challenges, it’s time to create something positive,” she said. “We need to empower our kababayans to dream bigger, do greater things, and build a legacy of hope and success.”
From the scorching streets of Dubai to the global stage of San Francisco, Lourds Evertse’s story reminds us that no dream is too far — and no beginning too humble — for someone who refuses to give up.
