Volunteer Spotlight: Kim Fernández

 

Kim Fernández - Chair of San Miguel's Board of Trustees, retired architect, and now artist and muralist - has been integral to the San Miguel journey since the beginning. We are grateful for her partnership, and the partnership of the wonderful volunteers working to make our community a better place for all its members!

Keep reading for a Q&A with Kim Fernández.

Q:  How did you first come to be involved with San Miguel? What does your current involvement look like?

K.F.: It seems like a long time ago, but my architecture firm was selected to complete the masterplan and design for the San Miguel High School campus. We did the work in phases, so that as each new freshman class started, we added new facilities and classrooms to accommodate them.

Kim with one of her murals - a beautiful Tucson sunset!

For myself and my husband Celestino, who served on the original Board of Trustees, it has been immensely satisfying to see class after class graduating, going to college, getting into wonderful careers and even seeing alumni come back to work and serve on the Board of Trustees at San Miguel! Both of us have continued our involvement with San Miguel, Celestino served a second term on the Board of Trustees and now that he has finished, I have joined the Board and am currently serving as Chair.

It is an exciting time for me to be on the Board of Trustees as the school is looking at how the campus may meet new educational challenges.

Q: Why is volunteering an important part of your life?

 K.F.: Throughout my professional career as an architect and in my personal life, I have felt it very important to "give back" to others as many have helped me succeed throughout the years. Helping an organization work towards fulfilling its mission for greater good is immensely fulfilling work. Often the friendships and satisfaction of volunteering offer greater rewards than my efforts! 

Q: In your opinion, what makes the Tucson community special?

K.F.: Tucson is a very unique community located in an area that is so diverse: in its desert environment, culture, climate, proximity to Mexico, University of Arizona presence,  sky islands and many businesses and corporations, but most important are the people. I believe Tucson's large numbers of non-profits that are supported by this community is evidence that, as a whole, we care deeply about helping others so that everyone in the community has an opportunity to have a better quality of life.

Q: What are you looking forward to in San Miguel's future?

K.F.: I hope that San Miguel High School continues to evolve and change to give students opportunities they might not have had but deserve. In addition, I pray that San Miguel continues to serve the whole student through education, physical development and spiritual development.

Viva San Miguel!