Michelle Hernandez
Michelle Hernandez is the Interim Assistant Director for the University Business Ambassador (UBA) Program at Texas State University, where she brings over nine years of experience in higher education and a strong foundation in operational leadership, program development, and administrative management. Stepping into her first formal leadership role in November, Michelle serves as a strategic partner to principal investigators and key stakeholders, working to identify operational challenges and streamline business processes across the university. Her work directly supports the institution’s mission of achieving R1 status by fostering a more efficient, collaborative, and service-oriented environment.
In her current role, Michelle leads initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and research support services, frequently collaborating with research centers and university departments. Her day-to-day responsibilities include facilitating meetings, providing one-on-one training, developing instructional materials for university systems, and supporting critical functions such as invoicing, procurement, and human resources processes, including hiring. Prior to her current position, she held a variety of administrative and operational roles across campus, including within the School of Art and Design, the Health Center, and University Housing, as well as serving as a business operator. Earlier in her career, Michelle spent four years working at a community clinic serving low-income, primarily Spanish-speaking populations—an experience that reflects her commitment to meaningful, service-driven work.
Michelle is currently completing a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies, with graduation anticipated in Summer 2026. Her academic work emphasizes leadership and organizational development, and she actively applies these principles in her professional role. Her thesis, which focuses on Latina leadership development and mentorship in higher education, highlights her passion for advancing representation and supporting emerging leaders. Recognized for her professionalism, collaborative leadership style, and dedication to continuous improvement, Michelle remains committed to strengthening institutional impact while fostering inclusive and empowering environments.
• The University of Texas at San Antonio - BA, Sociology
• Fall 2024 Jane Cappe Research Award (scholarship) Recipient
• 2024 Texas State University Finance and Support Services Customer Service Award
• Alpha Chi National College Honor Society
• The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
• Walk for ALS
• Ale for ALS fundraiser event
• Texas State University
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Seguin, TX
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say my family. I have a very large family, and we're very close. I have nieces that are in high school right now, looking at colleges, and they're asking me questions. I see that mentorship kind of being of use to them, because I didn't have that when I went to college. I'm a first generation student, so I had no guidance. My family is my motivation, and I really attribute my success to them, because I want to be an example for my nieces, and also for other women who are in the same boat. Only 8% of Latinas earn master degrees, and I take great pride in that, and I want to help increase that number. That's really important to me. What really brings me joy and purpose is finding and mentoring all these young Latinas and other young women that are just wanting to belong in these spaces that we may think were not really meant for us, but they are.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To stay authentic and never underestimate the power of relationships. Michelle has learned that leadership is not about titles, but about how you show up for others and the impact you make along the way.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say, knowing that you belong in every room that you enter, even if it doesn't always feel that way. Don't be afraid to just take up that space and ask questions and really seek out mentors who will support your growth. Lead with confidence, not the pressures or expectations you may feel, and really use your voice and your perspective and your lived experiences, because they really matter, especially in these leadership spaces where representation is still lacking. We need more women, we need more Latinas, we need women stepping forward to lead authentically and inspire the next generation of women to do the same. Know that you belong in these spaces, and we have to get over the fear and just really lean with our confidence.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think one of the biggest challenges I see is that some leaders struggle with just the fundamentals of effective leadership, from clear communications to accountability to just genuinely supporting your team. That's so important right now in all aspects of the world. Going back to those core values of empathy and transparency and eventually trust, I think there's a moment where we can really redefine what strong leadership looks like just by returning to those core values, but also making space for more diverse voices and perspectives. As far as opportunities, I think it can create spaces of conversation about what it is to be a leader, what it is to be a mentor, and to help us improve our workspaces. Especially in my experience right now, we're so siloed in my building, and when you have these siloed cultures, I think there's just a need for that leadership and that mentorship to really come hand-in-hand and create these opportunities and spaces for us to do our jobs, and do them well, and love to come to work and increase our morale.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say mentorship, humility, empathy, and authenticity are probably the most important to me, both personally and professionally. As a Latina in leadership, I'm really committed to staying true to who I am, but also I want to be able to create spaces where others are feeling seen and supported and empowered. Mentorship is a big part of that, too, and I just want to give back and continue to guide these young women and help them access opportunities so they can really grow and succeed in these spaces where representation for us is still limited.