Sandy Fernandez

Sandy Fernandez is a leader in community and economic development, serving as vice president of social impact at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. In this role, Fernandez leads the Center’s U.S. small business strategy and directs Strive USA, a $40 million investment initiative that has facilitated more than $45 billion in affordable capital for 1 million small businesses through digital innovation and a network of community financial institutions. Fernandez’s approach focuses on building human-centered, digitally enabled financial systems that expand access and resilience for underserved entrepreneurs, emphasizing equity and systemic change.

With experience in leadership roles at Mastercard, JPMorgan Chase, and Citigroup, Fernandez has developed and implemented national programs focused on economic mobility, asset building, and financial capability. Fernandez has built coalitions with civil rights, policy, and advocacy groups to address disparities affecting low-income, immigrant, LGBTQ, and disabled communities. Early work in community health, providing outreach and education to immigrant populations, established the foundation for Fernandez’s leadership style.

Fernandez’s expertise is reflected in board service with organizations such as Ascendus, Woodstock Institute, and Stonewall Community Foundation, and as an Eisenhower Fellow. Fernandez is a public speaker at major conferences, including the Milken Institute Global Conference, and contributes thought leadership on inclusive economic growth. Academic credentials include an M.P.A. from New York University and a B.A. from Boston University, supporting a career dedicated to advancing opportunity and impact at scale.