Sonoma State University
Herman J. Hernandez brings new meaning to giving 100 percent as a community leader and lives his life in service to others. As a long-time Sonoma County resident, Mr. Hernandez works steadfastly to improve Latinx communities in Sonoma County and the North Bay region through his commitment to social justice, education and community.
This is best exemplified when he founded Los Cien, the largest Latinx advocacy group in the North Bay. Los Cien, which translates from Spanish as The 100, has a vision of orgullo (pride) and equity for Latinos in Sonoma County. Los Cien has gained a reputation for convening community conversations on some of the most important issues facing the Latinx community and Sonoma County residents at large. Ranging from housing and mental health issues to candidates in local political races, Mr. Hernandez has been at the forefront of creating inclusive dialogue.
Mr. Hernandez was born in San Francisco and raised in the city's Latinx community of the Mission District. As the only son and third child of immigrant parents, he witnessed firsthand the plight and obstacles, but also dignity and perseverance, of the Latinx community and experience in the Bay Area.
He is a long-time Guerneville resident and owner and broker of the highly successful Hernandez Realty Company. However, being a promoter for equal opportunities and advancement for Latinos is where he has truly made an impact in the community.
A tireless advocate of equal access to education in Sonoma County, Mr. Hernandez has worked closely with Sonoma State University, Santa Rosa Junior College and K-12 school districts to increase student success, both academically and professionally. In addition to his work in education, he has been instrumental in raising the representation and involvement of Latinx residents in the political and policy decisions that impact their lives.
As someone who is a trailblazer in his own right, Mr. Hernandez models the kind of civic engagement, inclusiveness and pride Los Cien supports and promotes throughout Sonoma County. His work in the North Bay has become a crucial collaboration with Sonoma State's mission as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).
In recognition of his exemplary commitment to the Latinx Community in Sonoma County, as demonstrated through his unparalleled generosity of time and advocacy, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and Sonoma State University are proud to confer upon Herman J. Hernandez the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.