Marelyn Hernandez, MHA
Marelyn Hernandez, MHA, is a dedicated healthcare and education professional with over a decade of experience spanning healthcare administration, early childhood education, and business consulting. She began her career partnering with school districts to develop innovative before- and after-school programs and went on to help manage a nonprofit organization, Center for Youth and Community Development for seven years, where she managed staff, designed programs, and fostered strong community partnerships. Her work in these roles demonstrated her commitment to putting families and children first while improving operational efficiency and program effectiveness. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in healthcare administration, Marelyn joined DaVita at UCLA Hospital in Los Angeles, where she coordinated across multiple departments to streamline patient care, enhance family experiences, and lead teams through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership ensured staffing stability and team cohesion during difficult times, reflecting her ability to adapt, mentor, and guide teams under pressure. She also completed internships and administrative roles in healthcare settings, including Patton Psychiatric Hospital, strengthening her expertise in healthcare operations, compliance, and quality assurance. Currently, Marelyn serves as a Franchise Business Consultant at Kiddie Academy, supporting childcare franchisees with business development, teacher training, and operational strategy. In addition, she is the philanthropy director of the Long Beach Walking Club, organizing volunteer initiatives that connect women with community organizations and promote family support. Marelyn is also completing her Doctorate in Healthcare Administration, underscoring her lifelong commitment to professional growth, community service, and improving processes that positively impact families and healthcare systems alike.
• Health Equity and Health Disparities
• Masters in Health Administration
• Bachelors in Health Science Healthcare management concentration
• West Coast University - MHA
• Long Beach Walking Club
• Kiddie Academy
• Philanthropy Director for Long Beach Walking Club
• Monthly volunteer events connecting women with community organizations
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my mother, whose strength and resilience have been a guiding example. She broke traditional expectations, navigating a difficult divorce while building a thriving career in healthcare and raising her children with love and dedication. Watching her treat every patient with compassion and lead with integrity inspired me to step up for my family, develop my own sense of responsibility, and cultivate a caring, empathetic approach in both life and work.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to always prioritize character over skill. Hire for who someone is at their core, and support them in learning what they need along the way. Skills can be taught, but qualities like integrity, kindness, and a strong work ethic are what truly make someone stand out and create a lasting impact.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Own your voice early and don’t wait to feel “ready” to speak up. You are braver than you think and you belong in every room you step into. Focus on building strong relationships with your team, families, and community, because people are at the heart of everything you do. Stay consistent, learn the business side of your role, and don’t be afraid to take on new challenges even if you’re still figuring things out. Most importantly, protect your energy, seek out mentors who inspire you, and remember that confidence comes from taking action, not from being perfect.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
A core value for me is putting people first. When I evaluate any organization, I look at its values and commitment to serving families and communities. Throughout my career—whether as an operations manager for children with autism with CARD Center for Autism or related disorders, at DaVita, at Patton Psychiatric Prison Hospital, or now with Kiddie Academy—I have focused on creating and improving processes that support others, even when I’m not directly providing care. I am passionate about helping people, and I seek opportunities, both professionally and through volunteer work, where families and children are prioritized.