Meet the Team: Manuel “Chief” Hernandez

Background
Manuel “Chief” Hernandez grew up on the Barona Indian Reservation in East San Diego County. After graduating from El Capitan High School, he enlisted in the Army and eventually received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Chief’s military career as an aviator, flying UH-60 Blackhawks, took him to South Korea, Guatemala, Egypt, and through Operation Enduring Freedom. After 24 years of service, he retired and returned to Barona, where he now lives close to family.

He holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from West Point and an M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University.

Path to Philanthropy
“Growing up on Indian Land doesn’t offer much in the form of support or resources. Government handouts and non-profit organizations were the only form of support for many Natives growing up,” says Chief.

Though the Barona landscape has evolved over the years, Chief says he “never forgot the non-profits that helped [his] people.” This early experience inspired him not only to give back himself but also to ensure his children understood the value of service. For years, they volunteered with ABFK’s DreamMakers event, which “in its early years relied heavily on volunteers, more so than it does today.” Chief recalls them arriving hours before the event to set up and staying well after to pack up. Instilling “a sense of giving and volunteerism” in his children has been both a priority and a source of pride.

This commitment to service runs deep in Chief’s family. His son served as Philanthropy Chair for his fraternity, while his daughter, now a senior at the United States Naval Academy, embodies the military’s core value of selfless service. Both of Chief’s children proudly carry forward his dedication to making a difference.

Involvement with ABFK
Chief’s connection with ABFK founders, Mike and Tammy Nance, began through their children’s school. Known for his commitment to service, Chief was a natural fit for ABFK’s mission. With a background that emphasized selflessness, he embraced the organization’s goals as an extension of his own values.

Chief serves on the Board of Directors, supporting fundraising and sponsorship efforts. But his favorite role is as coordinator and chaperone for the East Coast College Tour, a week-long trip where top ABFK students visit prestigious schools like Harvard, MIT, and Yale. For many, it’s their first time flying and stepping into new academic worlds. Chief cherishes the moments when students later share their college acceptances with him.

Supporting Students
One of Chief’s memorable experiences was guiding Mayerling Colin on the East Coast College Tour in 2018, an experience that inspired her to attend and graduate from Yale. In 2024, her sister Valerie joined the same tour. Witnessing the impact ABFK has on siblings reinforces his belief that the organization touches entire families, not just individual students.

Chief also recognizes that many ABFK students, particularly first-generation ones, may not fully understand college affordability or feel comfortable moving far from home. Through mentorship, he helps students and families see the possibilities available to them, empowering them to pursue their goals.

Looking Ahead
Looking forward, Chief hopes A Bridge for Kids will continue to grow. His East Coast Tours have ranged from 3-10 students, and he hopes that with the program's growth, he can consistently take 8-10 students on this trip. All the while, Chief aims to break down misconceptions about financial aid and college affordability for first-generation students, helping families see these institutions as accessible and attainable.

Having alumni give back to A Bridge for Kids is something he didn’t expect. This was an unintended, but welcome, result of years of A Bridge for Kids providing resources for teens to succeed. He feels our students have been influenced by our generosity in providing them resources and want to be part of that moving forward. In short, he feels that their success has given them a sense of ownership in A Bridge for Kids' mission. “We must continue to make every student in our program feel like part of the A Bridge for Kids family, regardless of where they are in their career,” says Chief.