What Pride Means to Me
Written and published on the NSights section of NevadaToday on July 13, 2022.
When I reflect on Pride, I first must acknowledge that Pride is not something I grew up with. I was a naive and sheltered kid who grew up with a deep paralyzing fear that as a girl, I would be trapped for the rest of my life in a male body that wasn’t mine. When I hit puberty, I felt betrayed by my own existence, increasingly horrified that being a girl or growing into a woman was utterly impossible—that I was forever invisibly cursed and imprisoned. As a teenager and young adult, I did what society at the time taught me to do—I suppressed the fear and lied to myself for years. When I finally came to a place in life where being a woman in my own body seemed remotely possible, I was terrified. Terrified of turning into someone else, terrified of this insurmountable mountain I had to climb. I say, “Had to” because the suppression, fear, and lying to myself had taken a profound psychological toll. The fear had turned to anger, which in turn had manifested into an intense amount of self-loathing and distain for my own life. It was either literally die or climb that terrifying figurative mountain.
When I reached the metaphorical summit of that mountain, I cried… I cried long and hard. Not only was it possible, but I had done it. And once I did, I was suddenly set free. My life was mine, authentically mine, replete with all the potential of a meaningful life. Where once only despair and hopelessness existed, I found courage, confidence, and not only the will to live, but the strength to thrive. In my fear of becoming someone else, I found the joy and elation of becoming the best version of myself. A continual journey to be sure, I was nonetheless truly excited to be alive.
Now as I reflect on Pride and what it means to me, I do so with unwavering gratitude, for my life, my womanhood, and my sanity. I do so with the genuine hope that every single one of my fellow LGBTQIA2+ family here at UNR, as well as those around the world, find their own path from the darkness to the light. When I celebrate, I cry tears of joy that they all might feel the same overwhelming sense of optimism that can await them on the other side of the mountain. I celebrate every milestone and victory from Stonewall to Obergefell v. Hodges. I celebrate the fact that despite the challenges we all continue to face, that we will continue to overcome ignorance, discrimination, hatred, and fear.
While the journey of our lives, always being fraught with perils waiting in every shadow and around every corner, can dissuade us at times, even cause us to lose hope–we must be bold, brave, and eternally intrepid. For me Pride is a celebration both of how far we’ve come, and the hope, joy, optimism, and potential for where we can go—where we can go together united against the fear in ourselves and those who oppose us.
A Brilliant Light of Leadership Shines at the University of Nevada, Reno
Written and published in NevadaToday on April 12, 2024.
On the northern end of the University of Nevada, Reno campus, in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the intrepid spirit of the West, the Wolf Pack ethos, and the transformative power of an extraordinary and genuinely wholehearted academic collide in a swirl of dedication, compassion, resilience, and leadership.
To tell you that Karla Hernández, Ph.D., has been awarded the 2024 Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Leadership Award might seem an obvious occurrence if you’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with her. For everyone else, however, perhaps a little backstory is in order.
Emerging from her early life as a bright and aspiring student in México City, Hernández’s journey to the United States set the stage for her eventual transformation into the esteemed director of the Biotechnology Program and assistant professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University. Her personal experiences of adaptation and overcoming barriers infused her academic career with a deep commitment to augment access, diversity, and inclusion.
Hernández's immigration to the United States during her elementary school years forged her unwavering dedication. Having personally navigated numerous hardships and obstacles, she possesses a deep, intrinsic understanding of the challenges faced by many of her students. This in turn inspired her to become a tireless champion and mentor for those on diverse journeys. Her background, illuminated by her innate compassion, enriches her work with a deep empathy and steadfast resolve.
Exuding her trademark grace and humility, she acknowledges that success can manifest uniquely, appearing differently for any given individual. She notes that her own success has grown directly out of the continuous inspiration from her family and the kind-heartedness of her incredible mentors. She explained that the model of leadership she strives to replicate is that of her parents to whom she credits “…their valiant endeavor of moving to a new country, stepping out of their comfort zone in every way possible.”
“Dr. Hernández sees potential where others, myself included, may be shortsighted or too impatient. She has the grace to refine students at any level of skill…” – Robert del Carlo, Ph.D., nominator of Hernández for the IEDL Award.
Hernández’s journey from earning advanced degrees in biotechnology and a Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology from the University to becoming a visionary leader is remarkable. Her commitment to mentoring inspired her to establish the Iota chapter of Sigma Omega Nu Latina Interest Sorority, tackling educational disparities for underrepresented students. Her efforts have gone beyond mentorship, fostering empowerment and community improvement.
“Dr. Hernández sees potential where others, myself included, may be shortsighted or too impatient. She has the grace to refine students at any level of skill…” – Robert del Carlo, Ph.D., nominator of Hernández for the IEDL Award.
As the associate director of the McNair Scholars program, Hernández championed the needs of low-income and first-generation college students, advocating for inclusive academic policies that broadened program accessibility. Her tenure as director of Hispanic/Latinx Community Relations further solidified the bond between the University and Nevada’s Hispanic/Latinx populations, enhancing their educational pathways.
Currently, as the University Biotechnology program director, she oversees the curriculum with a keen eye while nurturing students through personalized mentorship, as well as launching initiatives to introduce biotechnology to K-12 students and facilitating early-career scientists’ access to research opportunities. Hernández’s commitment extends beyond academia; she actively fosters community connections, hosting workshops at Title I high schools and collaborating with local teachers to diversify the STEM fields. Her national networking efforts, including participation in the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) conference and establishing the first and only SACNAS chapter in the state of Nevada at the University, have elevated the University’s stature and addressed STEM field underrepresentation in Nevada.
Hernández shared that her career goals consist of harnessing her academic skillset and professional training, along with her own life experiences to empower and inspire future generations of innovators and leaders. As for the near future, she is excited for the 19th Annual University Biotechnology Symposium on May 16 and enthusiastic to continue building that momentum for the 20th Anniversary of the event, currently planned for May 2025. Additionally, she is delighted to be taking the lead planning the symposium, noting the significance of an event meant to spotlight the research and contributions of the University’s undergraduate and graduate students, as well as highlighting the substantial impact of our alumni in the field of Biotechnology. She plans to scale the event’s reach, further expanding access to STEM education by collaborating with regional primary and secondary school educators.
In reflecting on receiving the award, Hernández earnestly stated, “I am humbled to have been nominated and selected to receive the recognition. I am reminded of a quote I once read attributed to Dr. Emily Taylor – ‘Leadership is not taught. It is instead modeled. Real leadership is not about who gets the credit. It is instead about who empowers others to lead.’ Receiving the 2024 Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Leadership Award is more than an honor, it endows me with an increased sense of responsibility to continue empowering others.”
Hernández will be formally honored on May 14, 2024, at the Honor the Best Awards Gala in the Milton Glick Ballroom at the Joe Crowley Student Union. Her nomination was made with profound respect and resounding enthusiasm by colleague Robert del Carlo, Ph.D.
Created in 2017, the Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Leadership Award is bestowed annually to recognize an outstanding individual who embodies and practices the values of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout their work and efforts at the University.