Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tena Fernandez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tena, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
When I was a kid, I always wanted to help people. I grew up the youngest child of six children for my parents, seeing my parents always helping while not having enough for themselves. It was a kind of sacrificial helping that was showcased in the Bible.
My life was not a fairytale kind of upbringing. I was molested as a child and did not have anyone to relate my ordeal to, as a child, so I silently lived with it until I was able to let it stop. I decided, at age 13, that this would be the last time anything of this nature would happen to me and I would make it my life mission to help others find their voice and help themselves to get out of uncomfortable situations.
While it was not the most healthy habit, I developed a personality of protector which pulled many young persons seeking my guidance and protection. I became very angry and whenever I did not feel protected or understood, I would lash out to ensure that whoever had hurt me would also feel the pain they caused me. It was only when I tapped into my walk with my Creator, did I started realizing that what I was doing was not aligned with His teachings and it was breaking His heart. I sought counseling and biblical strategies that propelled me into my Social Work career and a more intimate walk with Christ.
My purpose became clearer when I was always the go-to person for individuals, even strangers, to come to and offload some of their deepest secrets. I felt my most complete and at peace when I was helping others; I felt even more at ease when I developed a deeper desire to understand what my Creator expected of me.
Now, working with inner-city youth, mentoring teens and adolescents, and authoring my books, I realize that my purpose is and always will be to create a safe space for individuals to come and express themselves without fear of judgment or being ostracized.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
The most exciting and special thing about what I do is being able to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the community I serve, inner city youths, high school students and the special needs. When I hear a client say “I have made their lives so much easier” or that I am considered “a safe space”, I know I am making that impact and doing it right. I believe fully in my purpose and I make every effort to have it fully recognized.
With undergrad and graduate degrees in Social Work, I mentored and counselled adolescents and adults for approximately twenty-five years. These sessions and discussions have propelled my writing journey.
I practice as a Social Worker, Student Adviser, Consultant, Adjunct Instructor and Entrepreneur, while helping to create thought-provoking and inspirational discussions one “golden mind” at a time.
A graduate of Northern Caribbean University, Jamaica (BSW) and Rutgers University, New Jersey (MSW), Jamaican native, a Christ-led wife to an amazing husband, mother to a Bullmastiff-Rottweiler mixed girl/dog – Belle, favored aunt and last of six children. I have devoted my time and space to helping individuals overcome adversities, recognize their potential and return to a place of full social integration with the unshakeable understanding that Christ remains the center of it all. My Christ-walk and opinions are far from traditional, but they are thought provoking, enlightening, scripture led and somewhat comedic.
I embody strength and individuality with the full belief that the only way for us to reach our full potential in anything is by tapping into our full desires.
– “You cannot know the full story only reading/living a part of it” – Tena Fernandez
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities, skills or area of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey? I would have to say:
1. My faith in God have caused me to look at people and situations differently and with a more open viewpoint. Knowing that we are all imperfect beings that can only change when we can identify our flaws.
2. My bond with my family: husband & siblings. This gives me a space to release and rebuild when I become overwhelmed after long sessions daily. Being able to return to a space that gives me solace and joy
3. The ability to keep my circle very small and my reliance on God optimal.
I would tell folks to tap into that space that makes you smile, share less and keep their connection and desires aligned with the Creators. In so doing you would be protecting your sanity, safe guarding yourself from burn out, and staying in alignment with your Creators will and promises for your life.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am a firm believer that we cannot do anything alone. We always need, at the very least, one person to work with us on this journey to purpose or to ensure that our messages and are herald globally; hence, I am looking to collaborate with individuals who – works with individuals in underserved communities.
– persons who need individual mentoring and counseling
– Christian podcasters with a passion for helping new converts navigate the Christ center space
– new converts who needs clarity on how to tap into the desires of God and His plans for us.
I can be contacted at:
email: [email protected] or [email protected]
instagram: @tenafernandez_inspiremet
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @tenafernandez_inspiremet
- Facebook: MrsFabulous Tena
- Other: [email protected]
[email protected]
Image Credits
National library of Jamaica Anson Photography Jamaica – @anson_photographyja
