JETHEDA HERNANDEZ has been seen as a national advocate for entrepreneurship and economic mobilization for over 15 years. As a success business strategist and speaker, Jetheda has created a buzz for her business savvy, natural leadership and selfless partnership-creation. In addition, Jetheda also serves as the Senior Advisor for External Affairs for the National Minority Supplier Development Council. In this capacity, she manages relationships of over 100 corporations and organizations across the country; working to build strong alliances that aid in the growth, sustainability and success of minority businesses.

Jetheda is also a guest lecturer and adjunct business professor at Coppin State University in Baltimore, MD. Before joining MBDA, Jetheda served as the Director of Marketing and Development for the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA). There she led the association’s efforts in fostering greater national visibility and managed a growing membership and development platform.

She also developed and maintained a robust benefits partnership program and successfully grew the organization by 10% annually during her tenure. Jetheda has also provided marketing and strategic consulting solutions for notable corporations around the country, to include Sony Entertainment, Black Entertainment Television, BMG Records, MTV, Viacom networks and countless large and small businesses around the county. Since the start of her career she has held positions of increasing responsibility in national marketing, public affairs, sales, and corporate and community relations.

A native of Richmond, VA, Jetheda holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from James Madison University and a master’s in business from the University of Miami. Jetheda has received numerous honors including being named as one of the 39 Under 39 Finest Professionals in Howard Co., MD by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and being awarded as one of Maryland’s Top Women by the Maryland Daily Digest. She resides in Columbia, MD with her husband and children Jayden & Savannah.