Paul Hernandez

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Dr. Paul Hernandez, PhD, is a nationally recognized leader in college access, student success, pedagogy, and in creating and fostering a sense of belonging. Holding a doctorate in Sociology with a specialization in education, social inequality, and intersectionality, Dr. Hernandez has extensive experience as a faculty member, non-profit administrator, and higher education administrator. As a scholar-practitioner, he collaborates with higher education institutions, K-12 schools, and non-profit organizations to enhance student learning and success by creating and fostering inclusive and supportive educational environments. Dr. Hernandez’s personal journey from gang culture and deep poverty on the streets of Los Angeles to achieving academic and professional success adds a powerful dimension to his work. He openly shares his story to inspire and empower others.

Expertise

At-risk Students
Equity and diversity

Workshops

Overcoming the Impossible: This motivational keynote shares Paul Hernandez’s personal story and testimony to the challenges he, like many other youth, faced growing up and how he overcame adversity. Paul shares how he used education as a source of empowerment to transform his life. The purpose of this keynote is to inspire and motivate the audience while providing an opportunity to answer any questions audience members ask. The keynote is targeted to diverse audiences including higher education, K–12 education, and non-profit organizations.
Pedagogy of Real Talk: Flexible enough to be modified and abbreviated into a single workshop, this series of workshops focuses on the pedagogical approach created by Paul Hernandez. Paul shares the foundations of his alternative pedagogy and informs others of the usable, modifiable components and tools to strengthen relationships with students. It can be used with higher education, K–12 education, and non-profit organizations.
The Social Construction of a Monster: This workshop focuses on introducing people to diversity and how to effectively work with diverse groups. Through a unique approach using the American Pit Bull Terrier, the topic of diversity is discussed and highlighted in a safe, comfortable manner. The workshop can be used broadly or tailored to particular groups. The workshop has been delivered to professionals who work with students, professionals and their colleagues surrounding issues of diversity, and with groups of college students.

Books

The Pedagogy of Real Talk

Engaging, Teaching, and Connecting With Students At-Promise

By: Paul Hernandez