MFernandez

I love to create and co-create, connect and synergize people, projects and organizations, and inspire others to help make a positive impact in the world with passion and a sense of adventure.

I am president and co-founder of Shaking the Tree Foundation. In short, we utilize storytelling (mostly theater) to inspire people to think about how they might utilize their resources in the service of others. Not only do we tackle issues around philanthropy, but also address issues of wealth and money.

A big passion of mine is travel, especially to exotic locations. It truly underscores how truly amazing this world is and that at the core, individuals, no matter where they live, want the same things. I'm completely in love with Africa -- in fact, I volunteered at a game reserve in South Africa for two months researching predators. My most recent adventure was in Cambodia where I visited a handful of charitable projects which showed me the resilience of the human spirit and the enormous capacity we have to step in and help where we see the need.

My friend, Orland Bishop, always poses the question "How do we transform that which we have been given?" It's a big question for me right now -- perhaps it's a big question for all of us.