Small Business Manager

Maria Hernandez

María Hernández is Stanislaus Equity Partners’ Small Business Services Manager. María has over 2 years experience as a small business owner. Serving as a virtual assistant, providing project and operations management, administrative and tech assistance, research, and client relation management. She is passionate about helping fellow travelers meet their wildest dreams with a positive, encouraging and genuine outlook. A Stanislaus County native, she received her K-12 education from Modesto City Schools and received both her Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and Master’s in Public Administration from CSU Stanislaus. Maria enjoys learning about and connecting her community to resources available. She spends her free time admiring the outdoors and making memories with family and friends. 

Before embarking as a small business owner, María was an Executive Fellow with the Center for CA studies at CSU Sacramento. She was placed at the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development where she learned about California's diverse industries and workforce, its many incentives and programs for job growth and retention and its assistance to businesses of all sizes during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Before this role she managed the New Leadership Network at the Stanislaus Community Foundation where her passion to serve was heightened. Being surrounded by local leaders and their efforts to make this community thrive, she was inspired to contribute to their work and provide new ideas to their efforts. María also has previous work experience at a local non-profit organization where she assisted with public relations, communication, outreach, and program tasks. 

María currently serves as the chairperson of the City of Modesto’s Blight Abatement Advisory Committee, advising the city and its leaders on ways to prevent blight and make Modesto Mo’ Beautiful. She also is serving as a board member for the Friends of the Modesto Library’s Board of Directors to provide assistance to the local library. María has a passion to see the community thrive by connecting them to resources and advocating for their needs.