Helena Fernandes
Director of People & Engagement

FAST FAVORITES

informing the movement in me

Now looking back, I’ve always been passionate about social justice and service. My entire career has been centered around people and creating meaningful opportunities. Helping to orchestrate the work of relationship, empowerment, and creating spaces to uplift the voices of justice within our communities is what drives me.

Through my role, I help develop fundraising strategies and meaningful relationships. Making sure we have continued resources to fuel our mission but more importantly a focus on relationships and alignment with one another. We are people centered.

Book - The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones
Song -
Freedom by Lauren Hill
Podcast -
Code Switch by NPR
Artist - Amy Sherald
Activist Ancestors -
Dr. Huey P. Newton & Nelson Mandela

I felt a deep calling to help people more profoundly after the traffic loss of my aunt Maria Graca in 2019 due to police vehicle homicide. My vision for MCAN and the rest of the world is more humanity, more police accountability and a more just and peaceful world. I do this work because the zip code where you live should neither determine your life expectancy nor your likelihood for incarceration.

IN THE FIELD

Raising the voice of justice, while painfully screaming for police accountability and infrastructural changes within Brockton after the tragic death of my aunt Maria Graca in 2019.

Photo Credit:
Marc Vasconcellos/The Enterprise