Serving as the CEO of the Tower of Youth (TOY) for nearly five years, Maria Hernandez has been at the forefront of youth empowerment through digital media arts education. Her expertise lies in harnessing the power of media to educate, motivate, and empower diverse communities, making her a beacon of transformative change.
Possessing over 30 years of dedication to youth development, Maria is a visionary, always striving for tangible results. She’s renowned for her capacity to birth new organizations, spearhead sustainable initiatives, motivate change, and garner support. Her steadfast belief is clear: equipping the youth is pivotal for building a thriving global workforce, fostering community growth, and ensuring inclusive educational and civic opportunities for the new century.
Holding a background in Career Technical Studies from CSU Sacramento and Sociology from CSU Fresno, Maria’s educational journey further expanded with her participation in Leadership California’s hallmark California Issues & Trends (CIT) program in 2010. There, she enriched her understanding of California’s challenges while networking with like-minded women. Currently, she’s an active member of the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) 2023 Leadership Institute. This organization champions the advancement of Latina women, celebrating their contributions and impact over the past three decades.
Maria Madril Hernandez proudly calls Rancho Cordova home, having been a staple in the Sacramento County community for over 25 years. As a third-generation Californian living on Nisenan, Maidu, Miwok/Me-Wuk, Patwin Wintun Peoples land, her roots run deep in the Central Valley, a testament to her commitment and passion for the region’s progress.
