Norlan’s Bio

  • “Greatness is not a function of circumstances. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline.”

    – Jim Collins, From Good to Great

  • “I must constantly function in two worlds, both of which reject me at some level and to neither of which I truly belong.”

    — Orlando Crespo, Being Latino in Christ

  • “The soul is the secret chamber for which only God has the key”

    – Ernesto Cardenal, Love

Heritage and Background

  • Dr. Norlan Hernández proudly identifies as a Nica/Nicoya—a term that honors his Nicaraguan roots. Born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, with deep family ties to Matagalpa, Nicaragua, Norlan lives in the hyphen of his identity: Nicaragüense-Americano. This space—between cultures, languages, and perspectives—shapes his voice as a leader, scholar, and changemaker.

  • Norlan is the proud husband of Isabel and father to their daughter, Aella Mia. His faith journey was deeply influenced by Isabel, whom he met in high school at church. They were married in 2014 and are building a life of purpose, joy, and service together.

Professional Experience

  • Norlan is the founder and president of Faithful Teachings, Inc., a nonprofit that partners with local faith-based communities to catalyze holistic initiatives across Latin America.

    He also serves as CEO and Lead Consultant of Empowerfy Consulting, a firm specializing in professional development that is research-based, data-informed, and culturally grounded.

  • Currently, Norlan serves as Associate Provost of Engagement and Inclusive Teaching and Learning (Chief Diversity Officer) at Fresno Pacific University.

    His previous leadership roles include:

    • Director of the Jesse Miranda Center for Hispanic Leadership (Vanguard University)

    • Corporate training leader for an international audience

    • Higher ed administrator supporting fully online undergrad and graduate programs

    He is known for his innovative thinking, inclusive leadership, and dedication to student and faculty success.

  • Norlan is deeply influenced by Robert Greenleaf’s Servant Leadership model—centering people before tasks. His leadership is culturally responsive, inclusive, and rooted in justice and faith.

“People are more important than tasks.”
— — Dr. Norlan Hernández

Education and Research

    • Hernández, N. (2023). Identity, Intersectionality, and Leadership: Leading While Brown. In L. Praslova (Ed.), Evidence-Based Organizational Practices for Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity (pp. 324–340). Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

    • Huang, L. A., & Blandón, N. J. H. (2023). “You Hide Pieces of Yourself”: Navigating White Spaces as U.S. Missionaries of Color. Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies

    • Hernandez, N. & Harris, L. (2022). Theological Education in and for Black and Brown Communities. Christian Higher Education, 21(5), 358–376.

    • Hernández, N. (2021). Nurturing the Tenets of Latin American Evangelical Ecclesiology. Journal of Latin American Theology, 16(1), 111–148.

    • Hernández, N. (2019). A Double Paradox: Servant Leadership and Gender Scripts in the Latin American Context. Theology of Leadership Journal, 2(1), 38–55.

    • Hernández, N. (2023). Pursuing Self: Body. Mind. Spirit. Empowerfy Consulting, LLC.

    • Hernández, N. (2023). Identity, Intersectionality, and Leadership: Leading While Brown. In Praslova, L. N. (Ed.) Evidence-Based Organizational Practices for Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity (pp. 324-340), Cambridge Scholars Publishing. 

    • Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies – Biola University

    • Executive MBA – UCI, Paul Merage School of Business

    • M.A. in Theology – Fuller Theological Seminary

    • B.A. in Liberal Studies – CSU Los AngelesDescription text goes here