Bio
Fernanda Alcantara, was a Pauli Murray Fellow from Rogers, Arkansas and worked with the Nationwide Development Resource team. Some of her key projects within the department included supporting the Nationwide Development Convening and a cross-organizational strategic planning effort to align equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) principles into the ACLU’s nationwide fundraising culture and practice. Fernanda's work extended beyond departmental confines, encompassing workshop facilitation, community building, and collaborative projects with her fellow cohort to drive impact.
A cum laude first- generation graduate from the University of Arkansas Honors College, Fernanda holds degrees in political science and psychology. Her undergraduate studies culminated in the successful defense of a thesis exploring the intersectionality of Latine identity and generational trauma in youth. Fernanda held various leadership roles in student government, strategic contributions to on-campus programming including EDIB initiatives, and various student advisory boards. Her commitment to mentorship led to the establishment of a pioneering leadership program aimed at guiding incoming freshmen interested in orchestrating impactful student programming.
Fernanda came to the ACLU with a strong background in the nonprofit sector, highlighted by her roles at local and national nonprofits such as, Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA), Legal Aid of Arkansas, Church World Service, and the Hispanic Women’s Organization of Arkansas. Her roles include community outreach coordination, pivotal research on immigration and refugee policy, fundraising, and youth advocacy in government affairs. Notably, Fernanda's profound relationship with BGCA spans over a decade, during which she has been a "club kid," staff member, intern, consultant, and distinguished national ambassador.