Latin Biz Today Honors a Coach Who Informed, Inspired, Mentored & Empowered [Video]
Coaching success with understanding and compassion, a conversation with son Richie
As Latin Biz Today partner, VP community relations, I thought it was past due to interview Coach’s son Richie, former police detective. What better time to share our legacy than during Hispanic Heritage Month? The following will serve as additional background to my video.
Richie Fernandez says it all about his father, Leslie Fernandez in one simple sentence. “He’s a great guy and he made me who I am today.” Coach’s life however is quite an interesting journey helping many along the way.
Lovingly referred to by his family, friends, students, and extended family as “Coach”, he amassed an incredible legacy as a beloved educator remembered by many as the person who most influenced, and in some cases, transformed, their lives.
Coach Fernandez’s deep compassion and empathy are at the root of Latin Biz Today’s mission to Inform, Inspire, Mentor & Empower.
Coach’s back story
Born in 1927 in New York City, “Coach” in his youth was assessed as academically inadequate. He was told that the only way he would be able to get a high school diploma was by switching to a vocational high school. Once out of school, Fernandez enlisted in the Army, which sent him to West Germany where interestingly enough, he learned to speak fluent German within a year. His follow-up assignment was as a command staff German language translator!
Post military, Cage Teen Center & EduCage