Founder & CEO

Ms. Dana Hernandez is the Chief Executive Officer of Rock’n Our Disabilities Foundation, a non-profit organization she proudly founded in 2018 to serve individuals with special needs and their families through educational, social, and recreational programs. 

Inspired by her personal journey supporting family members with disabilities, Ms. Hernandez brings heartfelt commitment, creativity, and strong leadership to every aspect of the foundation’s operations.

Since its inception, the foundation has grown to serve over 500 registered families, offering on-site and off-site events tailored to promote inclusion, friendship, and skill development. 

Her innovative leadership proved critical during the pandemic when she quickly adapted services to continue supporting families. In 2021, she launched a weekly food distribution program for special needs households that continues today. Additionally, Ms. Hernandez leveraged virtual platforms to keep families engaged and connected, turning a time of crisis into an opportunity for a more profound impact.

Beyond direct services, Ms. Hernandez curates educational and inclusive content to expand the foundation’s reach across social media platforms. She maintains strong relationships with civic partners, donors, and volunteers to enhance the non-profit’s community impact.

Her community relations and event planning background began with the Hesperia Chamber of Commerce, where she served as the Events and Resources Development Coordinator. This role gave her vital experience in non-profit operations, networking, and resource development, supporting her success in running the Rock’n Our Disabilities Foundation. She has also demonstrated unwavering dedication to creating a sense of belonging for individuals with disabilities, striving to reduce isolation and build lasting camaraderie.

A multi-talented entrepreneur, Ms. Hernandez has enjoyed success across several industries. She is the founder and CEO of Simply Rockn’ It Events, an events company she launched in 2016. Since 2009, she has also managed Avon by Dana, serving as a Manager, membership coordinator, and unit leader. These ventures reflect her resourcefulness, ability to multitask, and desire to connect with and empower her community.

Ms. Hernandez has consistently invested in her professional development, completing coursework at Cerritos College and the Institute of Organizational Management. In 2015, she completed a comprehensive three-year training program, New Era of Chamber Management, offered by the Western Association of Chamber Executives. She also completed a rigorous course in Fundraising, Strategic Planning, and Logic Models at The Fundraising Academy in 2013—further equipping her with the skills to run sustainable, mission-driven organizations.

Her dedication to civic engagement has also been a defining feature of her career. She has served as a board member of the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce, was the President and charter author of the Hesperia Centennial Lions Club, and actively supports community initiatives throughout the High Desert. From 2011 to 2012, she was key in fundraising and event coordination for the Rose of Sharon Pregnancy Resource Center. Presently, she contributes to public safety and communication as a member of the Hesperia Police Department’s Information Exchange Committee.

Ms. Hernandez has received several awards and honors throughout her journey, recognizing her outstanding service, leadership, and impact. In 2012, she was named Volunteer of the Year by The Fundraising Academy. 

She was also honored with an Assembly Certificate of Recognition and Volunteer of the Year Award from Assemblyman Tim Donnelly. In 2019, she received the World Civility Award from I Change Nations. She accepted the New Non-Profit of the Year award from Desert Manna on behalf of Rock’n Our Disabilities Foundation. Her accomplishments continued to be acknowledged when she was named 2020 Woman of the Year by Assemblyman Jay Obernolte and California Non-profit Non-Profitt of the Year for the 21st Senate District by Senator Scott Wilk in 2022. She received the Women of Excellence Award from the Today’s Woman Foundation that same year.

Ms. Hernandez attributes much of her success to her perseverance, strong moral compass, and relationships with city officials, donors, and community members. Her ability to earn trust and inspire collaboration has been instrumental in advancing the foundation’s mission and vision.

Looking ahead, Ms. Hernandez is focused on expanding the foundation’s reach beyond its current location by opening additional regional facilities. A significant step in that direction was the March 2023 launch of the foundation’s Learning Center, a space dedicated to providing education, skill-building, and life-enrichment opportunities for individuals with special needs. The center offers workshops to help participants gain college and workforce readiness while providing inclusive programming for caregivers and families to better understand and support their loved ones.

Ms. Hernandez remains passionate about cultivating inclusive environments where every person feels valued and supported. Whether leading a community fundraiser, planning an awareness campaign, or comforting a parent of a special needs child, she continues to be a powerful advocate for equity, compassion, and connection.