Carolina Fernandez *(she/her/ella) | Communications Director

As Catalyst Miami's communications director, Carolina defines, develops, and carries out the organization's internal and external communications. She is responsible for leading org-wide, as well as programming-specific, communications strategy; upholding the organization's mission and community-identified priorities in all messaging and materials; planning targeted outreach campaigns; overseeing day-to-day project management; and supporting her staff with the tools they need to ensure their programs achieve and exceed their desired reach. Passionate about problem-solving, passing the microphone, and pushing forward systems change, Carolina views her role as an opportunity to help amplify the wisdom of Miami's frontline communities. 

Carolina began her professional career in 2012 as the first bilingual creative writer for Hallmark Cards, Inc. During her almost six years there, she created a multitude of products -- from children's books to greeting cards, jingles to various 3D products -- in English and Spanish. She kickstarted important conversations and launched innovative projects that increased diversity, inclusion and empathy across the organization, leading her team to win the "Walk the Talk" award from Hallmark's CEO. Upon moving back to Miami, she was the lead copywriter and creative strategist for a full-scale local marketing agency. Carolina brings both breadth and depth of expertise as a result of her years working at global and local enterprises.

Prior to entering the professional world, Carolina did three internships in media -- news radio station WIOD, top-40 radio station Y-100, and local newspaper Miami New Times -- in addition to working as an editor at her university newspaper. 

Carolina served as a volunteer medical interpreter at a free clinic for five years and helped launch a literacy program in Kansas City's inner-city schools. Whenever she gets the chance, she volunteers with humanitarian organizations in her father's hometown of Cartagena, Colombia.