Staff Spotlight: Sergio G. Hernandez, M.S.

National Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month is the perfect time to celebrate diversity and representation as we work toward a more equitable future here at City Year. Given that we are also celebrating City Year San José/Silicon Valley’s 30th anniversary at the gala in a few weeks, we sat down with Sergio G. Hernandez, City Year’s Special Events Officer for City Year Los Angeles, New York, and San Jose/Silicon Valley because he has been integral to the gala’s planning and execution. Sergio has a moving story of how his identity has unfolded and how it has impacted the way he shows up in the world today. We are excited to learn about his City Year story and what Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month means to him.

Can you tell us about your background? What inspired you to join the City Year team originally?
Before I joined City Year, I was the Manager of Programs and Events at the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, where I became the organization’s first Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) employee. As a proud DACA beneficiary, I remain a dedicated advocate for undocumented youth, tirelessly working towards securing a legal pathway for all dreamers. My commitment to creating opportunities and advancing educational equity found the perfect home at City Year and I’ve loved supporting education and youth development through my work here with corporate sponsors and community champions with the same mission.

How has your heritage influenced your career journey thus far?
As a DREAMER and undocumented individual, my heritage has been the driving force behind my career journey. Growing up, I didn’t always see people who looked like me in positions of influence, so I’ve made it my mission to be that role model for young children of color to show them that no dream is out of reach. The values my parents instilled in me, especially the importance of being proud of where I come from, have shaped who I am today. I carry my heritage with pride, and it motivates me to break barriers, not only for myself but for future generations who need to see that success is possible, no matter their background.

What have you learned during your experience that has been new or surprising to you?
One of the most surprising and valuable lessons I’ve learned as a leader is the incredible power of mentorship and the profound ripple effect it can create. Witnessing how just one year of service can deeply impact not only the students we serve but also the AmeriCorps members has been eye-opening. I reflect back to a high school teacher who believed in my dreams and assured me I could achieve anything I set my mind to and she wasn’t wrong. Her belief in me sparked my own self-confidence, and that made all the difference. The relationships built and the personal and professional growth that emerge from these connections continue to inspire me. It’s a powerful reminder that meaningful support and belief in others can transform lives in ways I hadn’t fully realized before. I’m so thankful to Mrs. Elaine Rodriguez at Rosemead High School. 

What has been your favorite thing about your City Year experience?
My favorite part of being with City Year is witnessing the lasting impact and growth of former AmeriCorps members. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them return to the organization, not just as donors, but also as career mentors for students and speakers at our signature events. Their commitment to giving back and continuing to support the next generation truly reflects the strength of the City Year community.

What advice would you give to young adults considering a year of service with City Year?
My advice for young adults considering a year of service with City Year is to remember that they have the potential to be a powerful source of motivation for students who are searching for a role model. If you’re ready to believe in a student’s educational journey and be that person they look up to, City Year will give you the platform to make a lasting impact in just one year of service.

As we honor Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the U.S., can you share one of your favorite cultural traditions?
One of my favorite cultural traditions during Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month is to eat one of my favorite dishes with my family known as Chiles en nogada. The dish is a Mexican classic that celebrates past and present. Chile en nogada is a poblano stuffed with a picadillo of ground pork, beef and seasonal fruit, fried in egg batter, then covered in a creamy, white walnut sauce and garnished with pomegranate seeds and a sprig of parsley symbolic of the colors of the Mexican flag and served at room temperature. The chiles en nogada is more than the country’s most elevated stuffed chile, but a symbol of Mexican independence. It’s an integral part of the month’s celebration for my family.