Official photo with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Team meeting at the White House with the Vice President.
2023 - 2024
2024
After Kamala Harris was confirmed as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, Fernando took on a National Trips Director role on the campaign. He coordinated 200+ events across 10 states, reaching over 200,000 people, and oversaw events with President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton, celebrities, and a range of cultural and political leaders.
2023 - 2024
At the White House, in the Office of Vice President Kamala Harris, Fernando began as an adviser and was later promoted to Deputy Director of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. He led outreach to governors, mayors, state legislators, faith leaders, business leaders, and civil-society organizations to advance the Vice President’s priorities. He traveled with her to more than 22 states, supporting over 100 official events that reached more than 40 000 people.
2019 - 2022
2022
Advised the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture in one of the federal government’s largest departments (about 100 000 employees; US$ 200 billion budget). Worked on initiatives to combat institutional racism and led the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ non-discrimination clauses in international agricultural cooperation and financing contracts.
2021
Drawn to New York City’s energy, got involved in local politics and joined the City Administration, directing efforts within the city’s vaccination campaign and the distribution of PPE in Manhattan.
2020
Served as a regional director on Joe Biden’s presidential campaign. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, led a team working on voter-mobilization in a fully virtual environment and launched a large-scale digital operation that energized voters and contributed to victory in unprecedented campaign circumstances.
2019
Worked on Pete Buttigieg’s campaign team, helping secure his groundbreaking win in the Iowa Democratic caucus, the first time an openly gay candidate won a U.S. presidential primary contest.
At Democratic Party events during the 2020 presidential election.