John Wanamaker Award for Outstanding New Staff
Jessica Hernandez
Jessica is a compassionate and dedicated Mental Health Specialist whose impact on the YMCA’s newly established Department of Mental Health Services has been extraordinary. Since joining the team in 2025, she has played a vital role in shaping programs, strengthening staff support initiatives, and enhancing services for youth and families. Through her thoughtful leadership and genuine care, Jessica has supported more than 179 youth through the Bright Path Program and helped improve the Families Fit Together curriculum, resulting in the program’s highest retention rate to date. Even during times of transition, she consistently stepped up with professionalism, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to those she serves.
Jessica’s kindness, empathy, and collaborative spirit have made a lasting impression on both colleagues and participants alike. She creates supportive spaces where staff feel heard and valued, while ensuring every family and individual she works with feels welcomed, respected, and cared for. Her ability to balance compassion with action has strengthened her team, enhanced program outcomes, and embodied the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Jessica’s dedication to service and community makes her exceptionally deserving of this recognition.