Protecting Maternal and Child Health
Age: 38
Director of WIC & Women’s Health Services
Organization: at Roseland Community Hospital
Patricia Hernández is the daughter of immigrant parents from México. Although her parents had sixth-grade educations, they gave her and her siblings the gift of a college education because they believed that it would afford them not a life of luxury but an ability to advocate for themselves and others. They also instilled the idea of giving and serving those in need because the family often relied on help from community organizations and other families like them.
Patricia’s passion for public service spans over more than 15 years, empowering underserved communities across Chicagoland with resources to improve residents’ lives. Her work has inspired people to address inequitable access in the communities where she serves patients with some of the greatest needs. Most recently, she was the recipient of the Corazon Award from the Community Alliance for her work to improve people’s lives on Chicago’s west side and the western suburbs of Cook County.
Patricia has also spearheaded health fairs, charitable giveaways, and assisted community organizations and businesses in joint efforts.
In her current role Patricia seeks to address inequities in maternal and child health in the African American/BIPOC communities of Roseland and beyond. She will focus efforts to fulfill the need for quality food and nutrition education and increase healthy deliveries in the maternity ward.
A graduate of National-Louis University with a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Leadership, Patricia is a current student in the Master’s in Public Health (MPH) program at Northeastern Illinois University (degree expected, 2022). Patricia’s passion for public service stems from her vision of helping communities become prosperous and dynamic. She finds her experience fulfilling through the meaningful work she delivers. Work that makes a difference.
Words of wisdom: “Never withhold your ability to advocate for someone when it is in your power to help.”
