Keith Fernandez: 25-year-old Miami native who holds strong to his desire to expand and promote “the ability of individuals to determine their own destiny.” And take control of his own destiny, Keith certainly has.
His first political job was with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen on her reelection campaign, followed by positions with George LeMieux’s Senate campaign, and the US-Cuba Democracy PAC’s Young Leaders Group; he also cites Enrique Ros, Maytee Sanz and vivian Myrtetus as mentors. When he begins a project or campaign, Keith looks for a cohesive team. He has learned that if you are “loyal and hardworking, have people’s best interest at heart, and stand up for what’s right, things will usually work out in the end.”
With these values at hand, we will be reading more about Keith as he focuses this energy on mental health issues, working toward a free and democratic Cuba, and advocating for a more responsive and fiscally responsible government.
I am 25 years-young.
I live in Miami … Am from Miami …. I went to school at Florida International University and the University of Florida, Levin College of Law. I hope to visit Tahiti soon enough.
I entered politics because I truly believe it is the most direct way to help people and the community.
One principle I always put above politics is expanding and promoting the ability of individuals to determine their own destiny.
Person or people who gave me my first shot: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.
I’ve already worked for/on: Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen’s re-election campaign, George LeMieux’s Senate campaign, U.S.-Cuba Democracy PAC’s Young Leaders Group.
When I begin a project or first work on a campaign, I look for a cohesive team. Without that, everything else fails.
I’ve been blessed to have these people as my mentors: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Enrique Ros, Maytee Sanz, and Vivian Myrtetus. Each provided me with a different skill set but I wouldn’t be able to keep going without their mentorship and friendship.
The people I most admire in politics are: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Congressmen Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart, Governor Jeb Bush, and the Cuban Ladies in White’s leader, Berta Soler.
One lesson I’ve already learned is if you’re loyal and hardworking, have people’s best interest at heart, and stand up for what’s right, things will usually work out in the end.
If I wasn’t working in politics, I’d be working solely in law or as a columnist with a hopefully humorous take on events.
In ten years, you’ll read about me helping my community by focusing attention on mental health issues, working toward a free and democratic Cuba, and advocating for a more responsive and fiscally responsible government.
You can connect with me via Facebook at www.facebook.com/keithfernandez1987 and Twitter @keifer24
