Meet the team: Daisy Hernandez

Meet Daisy Hernandez, Youth Coordinator

Where are you from? 

I was born in Austin, Minnesota but I am the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants from the states of Tamaulipas and Hidalgo. 

Where do you feel most at home? 

Having a meal with my loved ones. 

What inspires you, professionally and personally?

I’m inspired by women who have come before me and paved the way. Women like Gloria Anzaldúa and Cherríe Moraga but also women like my abuela and my mother whose lived experience has wisdom beyond my years. 

What are your areas of expertise or what areas are particularly interesting to you?

I am a believer of lifelong learning in and out of academia. I have a BA in Sociology and Anthropology with a minor in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies. Feminist theory and public policy are also subjects that interest me. 

Share one thing you have learned, big or small, doing your work over the past year? 

I have learned so many things from working with youth! The youth I work with have taught me that they are experts in their reality. Additionally, working through a pandemic has taught me to be flexible and patient. I’m constantly thinking of ways in which we can keep our youth truly engaged even if our programs are virtual. 

Who inspires you? 

My 2 nieces and my 2 nephews inspire me. They are kind, forgiving, and eager to learn. They inspire me to work towards creating an environment where all youth feel supported, cared for, and safe. 

What do you do to relax, de-stress or recharge your batteries?

To recharge I love to bake pastries, cook dinner with my partner, or go on a hike. 

Why have you chosen to do this kind of work?  

Youth work is humbling and empowering. It reminds me that I have a long way to go and so many things to learn. It’s empowering to be able to help youth become advocates for themselves through our leadership training and programs like Free Arts. My work consists of an intersection of things I am passionate about. 

What is your favorite food? 

I love enmoladas, chilaquiles, and authentic Italian food. 

What is your favorite book?

Every book has something to offer so I can’t pick! However,  2 books I find myself rereading often are Living a Feminist Life by Sara Ahmed and Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay. My favorite poem is En Paz by Amado Nervo.