Spotlight on Teresa Hernandez of Prospanica, Part I
Teresa Hernandez is a maverick professional and activist. She is a Latina who is changing things for our community with her passion, tireless work and commitment to healthcare and education reform and her positivity and engagement with the issues that affect Latinos.
It’s actually a funny story. When I was around six or seven years old, my father took me to work with him for a week (he was a Branch Manager for Banco Popular de Puerto Rico at that time). I was the BIG boss’s daughter and my mother made sure I left the house each morning dressed to perfection. My dad’s co-workers and staff treated me like I was a little princes, and I walked into the bank like I owned the place. I was proud to walk alongside my father as if I was his little assistant. I would ask my father a million questions about work and I would take notes whenever he interacted with his clients in his office. I literally set up my own desk with a notebook, crayons, pens and even pretended I was making client calls. I thought it was the best gig ever! I learned what it was to work in a bank and to see my dad interact with everyone in English and Spanish.
I also had the opportunity to work with my mother one summer during high school. She was a nurse (now retired) at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx and enrolled me into their Summer Youth Employment program. That was my first experience working in healthcare and my first time earning my very own paycheck. My mom is an amazing nurse and to see her in action for an entire summer was such an enjoyable experience.
I stumbled upon National Society of Hispanic MBAs, now known as Prospanica upon completing graduate school. The work they do to elevate Latinx business professionals is remarkable. They host workshops, conferences, trainings as well as various networking events at the local and national level to promote the advancement of the community. I started out as a volunteer with the New York Chapter in 2015 and became a member of the New York board shortly after. In 2019, I along with the former president and New York board members, led the organization to being named Prospanica’s Chapter of the Year. In 2020, I accepted the role of president and in January 2021, I passed the torch on to the fantastic executive vice president to continue to lead the way. I will remain with the chapter as President Emeritus, to guide and mentor the team and fulfill my commitment to the Latinx community. I have seen the growth of the New York Chapter and I am extremely proud of the work we put forth. I am confident they will continue to do a phenomenal job.
- What is your background? Where were you born/raised?
- What were the significant experiences/events that shaped your young life?
It’s actually a funny story. When I was around six or seven years old, my father took me to work with him for a week (he was a Branch Manager for Banco Popular de Puerto Rico at that time). I was the BIG boss’s daughter and my mother made sure I left the house each morning dressed to perfection. My dad’s co-workers and staff treated me like I was a little princes, and I walked into the bank like I owned the place. I was proud to walk alongside my father as if I was his little assistant. I would ask my father a million questions about work and I would take notes whenever he interacted with his clients in his office. I literally set up my own desk with a notebook, crayons, pens and even pretended I was making client calls. I thought it was the best gig ever! I learned what it was to work in a bank and to see my dad interact with everyone in English and Spanish.
I also had the opportunity to work with my mother one summer during high school. She was a nurse (now retired) at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx and enrolled me into their Summer Youth Employment program. That was my first experience working in healthcare and my first time earning my very own paycheck. My mom is an amazing nurse and to see her in action for an entire summer was such an enjoyable experience.
- What was your education trajectory? What did you study?
- What has your career path been? What jobs have you had?
- Tell us about your activism?
I stumbled upon National Society of Hispanic MBAs, now known as Prospanica upon completing graduate school. The work they do to elevate Latinx business professionals is remarkable. They host workshops, conferences, trainings as well as various networking events at the local and national level to promote the advancement of the community. I started out as a volunteer with the New York Chapter in 2015 and became a member of the New York board shortly after. In 2019, I along with the former president and New York board members, led the organization to being named Prospanica’s Chapter of the Year. In 2020, I accepted the role of president and in January 2021, I passed the torch on to the fantastic executive vice president to continue to lead the way. I will remain with the chapter as President Emeritus, to guide and mentor the team and fulfill my commitment to the Latinx community. I have seen the growth of the New York Chapter and I am extremely proud of the work we put forth. I am confident they will continue to do a phenomenal job.
