James Hernandez (MPA '19)

From founding an after-school softball organization to being a Baruch College EOC mentor to leading an affordable housing nonprofit, James Hernandez (MPA '19) puts his community first.

Hernandez has extensive experience empowering underserved and vulnerable populations. He's fostered meaningful change by helping adults and children through social services, legal assistance, after-school programs, and boosting community health. 

He discusses his community work, the MPA program, being an EOC mentor, and more.

What sparked your passion for working with communities in need? 

Growing up in the Bronx, I was very much aware of the limited resources available to us. Whether it was education, housing, extracurricular activities, or health services, it always seemed like our community faced overwhelming disparities compared to other counties in New York or even other states. As I entered the social services field, I realized my purpose was to shine a light on these inequities and make meaningful contributions to support and uplift my community. 

You founded a girls’ softball league in the Bronx. How did that start, and how is it going? 

The idea for the girls’ softball league began when I was coaching my daughter’s softball team. During that time, I had the chance to connect with many young girls her age who were navigating significant trauma and seeking guidance in various areas of their lives. Their stories deeply resonated with me, especially given my professional background in social services, where I’ve focused on supporting individuals, families, and communities. I thought, what if I could create a safe space for the youth of the Bronx—a program that not only taught them softball but also provided mentorship to help them navigate life as they grow from youth to young adults and beyond? That idea became HealHome.   HealHome is designed to teach girls in the Bronx the fundamentals of softball while also focusing on team building, collaboration, responsibility, and mentorship. It’s a program that fosters personal growth and provides the tools to navigate the unique challenges of growing up in the Bronx.  

Since its inception, HealHome has flourished. I’ve partnered with Christopher Astacio, a teacher from the New York City Department of Education, who has been instrumental in developing the program into a valued part of the Bronx community. Together, we’ve had the privilege of engaging with influential organizations and individuals, including the New York Yankees and elected officials, to discuss the program’s potential for growth. We’ve also collaborated with community staples like Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (MMCC) and the Police Athletic League (PAL) to provide safe spaces for practice and community engagement.  

HealHome’s reach has extended beyond the Bronx as well. Our program has partnered with college softball teams at institutions like Pace University and Manhattan University, offering the girls opportunities to train with collegiate players. We even welcomed the head coach from Monroe University to one of our sessions, where she inspired the girls by discussing how they could develop their skills and transition into college athletes.  

This involvement with college programs is a cornerstone of HealHome’s mission. We want to show the young girls of the Bronx that softball can be more than a sport— it can be a pathway to higher education and brighter opportunities. By giving them access to these experiences, we aim to help them envision and achieve futures that include both athletic and academic success. 

What’s it like to be an EOC mentor? 

Being an EOC mentor is something I take very seriously. When I first had the opportunity to become a mentor, I questioned whether I had enough professional and life experience to guide college students. After some reflection, I realized that my personal, educational, and professional journey had given me unique perspectives that I could offer to Baruch College students.  

With nearly 15 years of experience as a nonprofit professional, I’ve worked across various areas of human services, including social services, legal services, and community health. The lessons I’ve learned— through both successes and failures— are what I enjoy sharing with the students I mentor.  

What I value most about being an EOC mentor is the chance to listen to their stories and offer insights from my own experiences. Knowing that even a small piece of advice or perspective might help them figure out their next step is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a privilege to support them on their journey, and every conversation reminds me how rewarding mentorship can be. 

How did Baruch College’s MPA program impact you? 

My experience at Baruch College has had a lasting impact on my professional development over the years. The professors and students I met were deeply engaged in New York City’s communities, which gave them a sense of credibility and authenticity when addressing major social issues such as housing and public health.  

Baruch’s events for students and alumni also fostered a strong sense of community for me. They continue to make me feel part of a network of like-minded individuals, all striving toward the shared mission of improving our lives and the lives of those in our communities.  

I’m always eager to share with anyone who will listen that I am a proud Baruch College graduate. The MPA program didn’t just prepare me professionally— it instilled a lifelong commitment to making a meaningful impact. 

What achievement are you most proud of? 

There are many things I’m proud of— from being a devoted father to serving my New York City communities and building an expansive career in human services. However, my most recent professional achievement has been the greatest honor thus far, becoming the Executive Director of the Interfaith Council for Action (IFCA), an affordable housing nonprofit agency in Westchester County, NY.  

IFCA is committed to addressing the growing need for affordable housing in Westchester and beyond, and this role feels like the culmination of my extensive career in housing and social services. It’s a profound opportunity to lead within the nonprofit sector, which I’ve dedicated my professional life to.  

While I’ve celebrated many personal and professional milestones and look forward to many more, this achievement as Executive Director is one that I am especially proud to highlight today.