Get to Know Tina!

Tina Fernandes

Program Director


Hometown: Brockton, Massachusetts

Education: B.A. in sociology at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst

What is your position and what do you do here at CYDC? I am the Program Director for City Year Washington, DC. I work with the HOPE, Heroes, and Civic Engagement teams. I am responsible for supporting the leadership development of the corps, managing aspects of the site’s programs and managing all disciplinary actions for the corps members.

How long have you been with CYDC and why do you serve? This is my sixth year at City Year Washington, DC. I served as a Corps member in 2001-2002 and returned the next year as a senior corps member for civic leadership. I then taught special education HS students before I returned to CYDC as the Program Manager for the HIV/AIDS, Outreach, Prevention and Education (HOPE) Team in 2006. One of the biggest reasons I serve is to have the opportunity to be a part of a corps member’s development during their service year and beyond.

What are you most excited about this year and or the future of CYDC? I am really excited about the corps! They have amazing energy and experiences that will make this one of our best service years. I have been able to talk to a number of them and can’t wait for the service year to start.

Tell me a short story about your favorite moment in service? I have so many favorite moments (especially on the HOPE team). But one of my favorite moments were part of an initiative we designed to engage the corps in DC culture and history with a weekend museum tour group. Staff and corps members would visit different museums around DC once a month. It was a great way to interact with the corps outside of service.

What is something most people don’t know about you and wouldn’t guess? I have a twin brother…who just gave me a nephew/godson!