CHLI Alumnus highlights Journey from Public to Private Sector and His Current Work Impacting Hispanic Voters
Name: Keith Fernandez
Title: Director of Communications, Policy and Social Impact
Company: Univision Communications Inc.
Current Location: Washington, DC
Global Leaders Program: 2006
What was your journey like after completing the Global Leaders Program (GLP)? How did you get to this place in your career?
It has been quite a ride. I worked on former Rep. Ros-Lehtinen's campaign, graduated from college and law school, was a judicial intern for a Miami criminal court judge, worked at a civil litigation law firm, and then became Ros-Lehtinen's Counsel and Communications Director. I then had the privilege of joining Univision in late 2018 to focus on communications strategy and work to amplify the company’s efforts related to corporate social responsibility and civic engagement with a focus on Univision’s Cuenta Conmigo and Vota Conmigo campaigns. Showing that life does indeed go full circle, it was CHLI that encouraged me to apply for my job at Univision.
Mentorship is a two way street so find a mentor who you find fascinating (or at least professionally helpful) and who finds you to be talented and intelligent…learn from their triumphs and tragedies…
You previously highlighted two of your mentors for a CHLI post, what advice do you have for others who are seeking a mentor to help craft their career path and future goals?
Pick your mentors wisely. Much like relatives, you will pick up habits that you did not know existed in you until years later. Mentorship is a two way street so find a mentor who you find fascinating (or at least professionally helpful) and who finds you to be talented and intelligent. Ask all you can, learn from their triumphs and tragedies, get to know them as a person. Then, when its your turn, be a mentor to someone else and keep up with the person who gave you that first chance. Our close professional relationships should be more than a collection of shared business transactions.
You're currently working to bring attention around the impact and importance of Hispanic voters in recent elections. Any insights you can share? What would you say to anyone who is reading this and thinks their vote won't make a difference?
The Hispanic vote grew by double and triple digits from 2014 to 2018 in key states so anyone who thinks their vote won't make a difference hasn't seen recent election results. We've seen the Hispanic vote, driven by younger voters, have a significant impact up and down the ballot. From California to Florida, New York to Texas, Latino voters are the new majority makers and candidates should be doing all they can to engage our community.
2020 is slated to be a crucial election and anyone who hasn't registered to vote should visit www.univision.com/votaconmigo to learn how to register to vote in your state.
Our journey's never turn out the way we envision them. Can you think of any roadblocks you encountered? If so, what helped you make it over those hurdles?
I think, especially when we're younger, we tend to internalize limiting statements about ourselves and believe there could be truth to that. It's not necessarily a roadblock but I think back to a high school debate teacher who made the case to me that I wouldn't be able to effectively argue (in the intellectual sense) because I had a habit of saying "you know" as a verbal placeholder. This was a bit crushing to someone whose dream was a job where you get to advocate for a living. However, a law degree later, I'd like to think I eventually recognized limiting statements from others for what they are: hogwash.
What advice would you give to your 21-year-old self ?
Don't be afraid to chart your own course and live a life true to yourself. It's much more fun that way.
Where can we connect with you?
FUN FACTS
Favorite D.C. coffee spot? Peregrine Espresso at Union Market
Last book you read? Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe
If you could have lunch with any person, who would it be and why? George H.W. Bush because of his fascinating life and willingness to know when to take a stand and when to compromise for the good of the nation.