Fenway Health is excited to announce that Brenda Hernandez will join our organization as Vice President of Human Resources on September 29, bringing a transformative vision for what it means to center people in healthcare.
For Brenda, human resources has always been about human potential. Throughout her distinguished career, she has consistently demonstrated that when organizations invest authentically in their people, they unlock the power to serve their communities more effectively. This philosophy perfectly aligns with Fenway Health’s commitment to creating a workplace where every team member can thrive while advancing our mission of care.
“I have spent my career promoting the importance of workplace belonging, and I am excited to bring that commitment to Fenway,” said Brenda. “Serving as the VP of HR will provide me the opportunity to ensure that Fenway’s values are embedded in our policies and that our staff continues to reflect the communities that we serve. Fenway Health’s staff are committed to a holistic approach to healthcare and have created an inclusive environment for their patients. It will be an honor and a privilege to see that they continue to receive the same level of care throughout the employee life cycle. I hope to execute on Jordina’s vision to make Fenway Health an employer of choice.”
Currently serving as Executive Director of People and Culture for the City of Boston, Brenda has redefined what organizational support looks like for a diverse workforce. Her leadership extends beyond traditional HR functions—she creates cultures where equity and inclusion are lived experiences, not just stated values. Previously, as Chief of Equity and Engagement at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, she built meaningful connections between staff, leadership, and the communities they serve, demonstrating that organizational health and community wellbeing are inseparable.
What distinguishes Brenda as a leader is her unwavering belief that workplace culture directly impacts the quality of care and services an organization provides. She understands that healthcare workers who feel valued, supported, and empowered bring their best selves to patient care. Her approach transforms HR from an administrative function into a strategic driver of organizational excellence and community impact.
“Brenda represents exactly the kind of leadership Fenway Health needs as we continue to evolve,” said CEO Jordina Shanks. “She doesn’t just manage human resources—she champions human dignity. Her vision for creating workplaces where people can bring their whole selves will strengthen not only our internal culture but our ability to serve our patients and community with excellence. We’re not just gaining an HR leader; we’re gaining a culture architect who will help us build the future of inclusive healthcare.”
Recognized as part of the 2024 ALX 100 by Amplify Latinx, Brenda’s influence extends well beyond organizational walls. Her community service, including board leadership with the Eastern MA Abortion Fund and co-founding the BU Women’s Guild Women of Color Circle, reflects her commitment to systemic change and social justice—values that resonate deeply with Fenway Health’s mission.
Brenda holds a J.D. from Pace University School of Law, where she was recognized as the Outstanding Law Graduate by the National Association of Women Lawyers, and a B.A. in Women’s Studies from Mount Holyoke College. Her advanced training in nonprofit leadership, equity, and organizational change brings both depth and innovation to her practice.
Brenda will be instrumental in shaping our future—advancing staff well-being, embedding equity and inclusion into our systems, and nurturing the culture that makes Fenway Health a unique and meaningful place to work.
We look forward to the transformation Brenda will bring as she helps us build a workplace culture worthy of our mission.