Liz Hernandez is the Deputy Director of Finance & Operations at the Latino Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF), overseeing finance, people & culture, and operations. Behind every budget and funder relationship are real students and families counting on that support, and Liz draws on over 20 years of finance and operations experience to make LEAF's resources go as far as possible for them.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Liz spent two decades in banking, consumer goods, and healthcare technology. Moving into the nonprofit space was a personal decision: she wanted to put that experience to work for LEAF's students and families as they pursue economic mobility. That work feels especially urgent now, as demand for LEAF's programs continues to grow.

Liz sees her role as making sure LEAF is financially strong enough to meet this moment and keep serving students for years to come. She also serves in leadership roles in her local school community, helping bridge the gap between school funding and community needs.