Board Spotlight: Jesús Hernández
On behalf of Cultural Coalition Inc. staff and Board of Directors, we are excited to extend a warm welcome to our newest board member, Jesús Hernandez.
Jesus brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community and celebrating Chicano culture to our organization. As the current Event Coordinator/Fundraiser/Promoter for the West Valley Foundation, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to organize and execute successful events, including the esteemed celebration of Cesar Chavez’s legacy.
When asked about what inspired him to join the board, Jesús replied, “My desire to join the Board was because of the passion I see by the leaders of the organization,” he continues “It amazes me. For over 30 years they have been promoting our cultures in the community. Carmen and Zarco inspire me and many people in our community to support the arts.”
His dedication to showcasing and celebrating diverse voices is evident in his role as the Host/Creator and Executive Producer of “Arizona Cultural Stories,” a television program that highlights the rich artistic tapestry of our state. This program fills a crucial gap in traditional media representation and provides a platform for artists from various cultural backgrounds. One of the first Chicano television reporters in Phoenix, he also worked for CBS News Channel 2 in Los Angeles.
Jesús often features artists on his program, as keepers and transmitters of culture. In his recent January episode of Arizona Cultural Stories, he interviews Carmen and Zarco about the festivals they provide to communities for free. “Art is important”, states Jesús. “Through their organization, they show communities how to embrace differences and celebrate diversity. It’s important to be part of sharing that message.”
Furthermore, Jesus’s creation and hosting of the “Veterans Business Journey” television program reflects his profound respect and gratitude for our veterans. As a Vietnam Veteran himself, he understands the sacrifices and contributions of those who have served our country.
His prior experience as the Marketing and Communications Manager at Friendly House, a non-profit organization with a 104-year legacy of serving the community, demonstrates his understanding of the vital role non-profits play in addressing critical needs.
One of the ways Jesús shared about how he plans to support Cultural Coalition is by putting his years of marketing and communications experience to work for promoting all that the organization does in the community. “I look forward to finding ways to promote, showcase, and share Arizona artist stories. It is imperative to continue to promote artists of all diverse cultures and artistic practices.”
We are confident that Jesus’s expertise, passion, and dedication will be invaluable assets to the Cultural Coalition Inc. board. We look forward to his contributions and the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on our organization and invite you all to help us welcome him to our team.