One might say she has “paid her dues.” But that’s just the thing. This woman, who seems to posses an unusual joie de vivre, gives from her heart. She continues to do what needs to be done wherever she finds it — because that is who she is.
Patti Patao, a LCFEF executive committee member who has known Hernandez since their days together as Palm Crest parents, nominated Hernandez for precisely this reason.
“She’s just great that way, helping with anything,” Patao said. “She’s so well-liked and admired.”
Patao ran off a litany of good and useful things Hernandez has had her hands in.
An active member of La Cañada Presbyterian Church, Hernandez maintains the outreach section of the church website and, says Patao, is always hosting some church event at her home. And, as a computer savvy website designer, Hernandez has a PowerPoint presentation she takes to local PTA, church and parent groups showing parents how to keep their children safe on the Internet.
Executive committee member Andy Dick, who has worked with Hernandez since 2004 when he joined the LCFEF, believes the award, which recognizes civic mindedness and community and school contributions, finds a worthy recipient in this active La Cañadan who is not only generous but good.
“Kathy is one of the most honest and high integrity people that I’ve come across in many years — she continues to be a friend,” Dick said.
Amy Bernhard, also on the LCFEF executive committee, would agree. “She’s an incredible treasure to this community,” she said of the honoree. “She not only will do anything asked of her; but she takes the lead,” volunteering out of the kindness of her heart.
When Bernhard was Palm Crest PTA president she often called on past president Hernandez, who was a ready help. Quips Bernhard, “If you send her an e-mail, she responds immediately. It’s as if she is always at her computer.”
For her part, Hernandez simply states, “I do what I do because I really enjoy it.” Of the award, which will be presented at LCFEF’s Major Donor Reception tonight, she says, “I am very honored.”
Hernandez has a bachelor’s degree and master’s in industrial engineering from Stanford University. She runs a successful website design business. She and husband Don and their children have called La Cañada Flintridge home for over 12 years. Their daughter Kristen is a senior at La Cañada High, where son Stephen is a junior.
