Meet Sofia Maricela Hernandez, a UTRGV Unsung Hero

Text by Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa

Sofia Maricela Hernandez, Chief of Staff and Strategic Initiatives for the UTRGV School of Medicine, plays a key role in shaping the school's strategic direction. From overseeing initiatives related to communications and marketing to advising the dean on important decisions, Hernandez is an integral part of the executive team, ensuring the school's mission of education, research, and patient care is carried out effectively. 

Since rejoining UTRGV in 2017, Hernandez’s favorite part of her job has been witnessing the growth of the School of Medicine and its positive impact on students and the Rio Grande Valley. "As a Valley native, being part of this evolution is both exciting and deeply meaningful," she said.

 WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT UTRGV?
As Chief of Staff, I wear several different hats in my portfolio. I oversee the UTRGV School of Medicine's strategic priorities, strategic planning, internal and external communications initiatives, as well as marketing efforts. I am also part of the School of Medicine's executive team and serve as an advisor to the dean and a thought partner with our executive team on important issues across our tripartite mission of education, research, and patient care. We meet regularly to discuss the priorities for the School of Medicine and our day-to-day operations at our sites across the Rio Grande Valley.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED HERE?
I returned to UTRGV in October 2017 to join the School of Medicine.

DESCRIBE YOUR AVERAGE DAY:
Every day is different for me, which is part of what I love most about my role at the UTRGV School of Medicine. Like any person in a leadership position, I think there is a daily responsibility to be responsive to the community you work with, the students you serve, and the needs of the faculty and staff who make it possible to deliver on our mission. An average day includes a series of leadership meetings, followed by huddle time with my teams, checking in on major projects as we continue to grow the impact of our medical school, and supporting Dean Hocker and his vision for our school.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
One of my favorite parts of the job is seeing first-hand the growth of our school and the excitement about the impact that the School of Medicine is having on our students and the entire community. As someone born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, throughout my career, I have been active in several aspects of the School of Medicine—from the legislation to the residency programs to now being part of the medical school through its leadership. So, just being part of its evolution is exciting. Another remarkable aspect is interacting with the students and seeing things through their eyes—what they're experiencing and hoping to accomplish as future physicians. That is so refreshing and keeps me going!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY OR STORY ABOUT YOUR TIME HERE?
There are so many beautiful memories I've built here throughout the years.
One Match Day, though, stands out for me, and it was from the Class of 2021. It was held at the Edinburg baseball stadium and had to be outdoors during the COVID period. It was just a beautiful day, celebrating outdoors and seeing the students and families adapting to the challenges of the pandemic while still finding the opportunity to come together and celebrate such a rich and memorable day for them. It was memorable because it represented the incredible talent at our School of Medicine, not only from the students but also from the faculty and staff who came together during a difficult time to make the event so special. (Here's more info from the UTRGV Newsroom page.)

TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
I am a UT Austin alumna (Hook 'em!) and am now part of the leadership in a UT System institution. I've also worked for over 20 years on legislative issues and advocacy, both federal and state. One unique opportunity for me was working on the medical school's legislation in 2013. I had the privilege of helping draft the compromise language to create a medical school for the Valley—an initiative that champions like Senator Juan Hinojosa and other Valley legislators made a reality. So, I have a special connection to the School of Medicine because I have been involved and have seen it come to life—from paper to reality.

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UTRGV COMMUNITY?
As a Valley native and as someone who received a master's here, I'm incredibly proud of everything the UTRGV community has accomplished. This institution represents opportunity for me and continues to lead the way to a bright future for our students and region.