Executive Director, Fernandez Pave the Way Foundation
Ana Fernandez Buraglia (Ani) is a Miami native, born and raised. She spent her four college years at Villanova University, just outside of Philadelphia, PA, and two years in San Diego at San Diego State University where she got a Masters in Arts in Communications. Following graduation in May of 2007, she accepted the position as Executive Director of the newly formed Fernandez Pave the Way Foundation. She has been in that position since then, learning about the needs in the South Florida community, and working hard to address them. The broad mission of the Foundation is to “help people create a more sustainable life for themselves and their families, particularly through education”. Her ultimate goal through the Foundation is to create meaningful change through partnerships with, and commitments to organizations who work to help those who are most vulnerable in this society.
Ani is a Founding Board Member of a local non-profit organization called ICU baby, committed to supporting families with babies in the NICU. With programming at South Miami Hospital and Holtz Children’s Hospital at Jackson Memorial Hospital, ICU baby has successfully reached hundreds of families and provided them with in-hospital support, as well as transportation aid to facilitate time with their babies.
She has two children (10 and 8), and is highly involved in their school, co-chairing a service-based curriculum and community building effort. It is her hope that through this initiative, students and families will have the opportunity to learn about the needs of their community, and forge relationships with neighbors in need.
“I serve on the AIJustice Board because it feels like a grave injustice to witness how immigrants are being treated in this country. I believe in the dignity of each individual, as well as the right to due process that has been laid out clearly in our laws. I am moved to support the Dreamers and the families who have come here seeking a safer and more equitable life for their children.”