Maria Hernandez

María Hernández is passionate about helping fellow travelers meet their goals with a positive, encouraging and genuine attitude. A Stanislaus County native, she received her K-12 education from Modesto City Schools and received both her Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and Master’s in Public Administration from CSU Stanislaus. Maria enjoys learning about and connecting her community to resources available. She spends her free time admiring the outdoors and making memories with family and friends. 

María recently completed her time as an Executive Fellow with the Center for CA studies at CSU Sacramento. She was placed at the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development and mentored by Kaina Pereira, Sr. Advisor of Business Development, where she experienced working for the government at the state level. Through the fellowship experience she learned about California's diverse industries and workforce, its many incentives and programs for job growth and retention and its assistance to businesses of all sizes. Before this role she managed the New Leadership Network at the Stanislaus Community Foundation where her passion to serve was strengthened. Being surrounded by local leaders and their efforts to make this community thrive, she was inspired to contribute to their work and beyond. María also has previous work experience at a local non-profit organization where she assisted with public relations, communication, outreach, and program tasks.  

As a NextGen on Board Fellow, Maria is serving a two-year term on Friends of the Modesto Library’s Board of Directors beginning July 2021.