Carolyn D. Hernandez

Carolyn D. Hernandez, born and raised in South Central Los Angeles and daughter to Central American refugees, is an organizer, advocate, and intersectional environmentalist. Her involvement with Community Coalition began in 2011 as a youth leader through South Central Youth Empowered Through Action (SCYEA), where she learned the art and science of community organizing while fighting in several campaigns for educational equity and academic success. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Natural Resources Management & Conservation and a minor in Race and Resistance Studies.

Growing up in South LA, a region with one of the highest asthma emergency visits and hospitalization rates in the county, including the highest mortality rate for coronary heart disease, a disease which is also linked to exposure to air pollution- catalyzed her devotion to advocating for environmental justice and public health in marginalized communities locally and nationally. 

After graduating, she mobilized by working towards a zero-waste city in partnership with non-profit organizations whose work focused on reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. Carolyn’s work comprised community composting workshops, implementing composting and recycling at local events, collecting textile clothing, policy advocacy, community organizing, and community power building. Carolyn believes in grassroots movements, people power, and the liberation of all oppressed communities.

Carolyn recently served as Program Coordinator for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, responsible for keeping up with COVID guidelines and how it taxes current policies. She offered healthcare services to vulnerable Angelinos and promoted stability to people experiencing chronic homelessness (PEH) or at risk by transitioning into interim housing and permanent housing. She believes in community-identified solutions for vulnerable Angelinos.

Fun Fact: In her free time, she enjoys running with her dog Milo (a Maltipoo) at Algin Sutton Park, swimming at Green Meadows Park, having coffee at Cafe del Mundo, and eating at Paseo San Miguel.