Jacqueline Hernández: A Trailblazer in Multicultural Marketing and Media Leadership
Jacqueline Hernández is a name synonymous with transformation, leadership, and multicultural marketing excellence. With a career spanning several high-profile roles in media, entertainment, and digital marketing, she has shaped industries and pioneered strategies that resonate with diverse audiences, especially Gen Z and Alpha generations. As a business leader, her profound impact is evident not only in her executive positions but also in her ongoing advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Early Life and Education
Born with a keen interest in both the arts and business, Jacqueline Hernández pursued her education with a focus that would later serve as the foundation for her professional journey. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Art History from Tufts University, where she developed an analytical mindset that would help her in tackling complex marketing challenges later in life.
Her thirst for knowledge led her to Baruch College, where she pursued an MBA with a focus on business administration. This academic combination of creativity and business strategy positioned her perfectly to navigate the ever-changing landscape of marketing and media.
Professional Rise: From Turner International to NBCUniversal
Jacqueline’s career took off in the media and marketing sector, beginning with Turner International, where she managed global sales and digital advertising strategies for major properties like CNN, TNT, and Cartoon Network. As Vice President, Integrated Marketing & Global Sales Sponsorships, Jacqueline played a crucial role in expanding Turner’s international reach, focusing on developing integrated marketing solutions for global clients.
Her experience at Turner laid the groundwork for her subsequent career moves. In 2004, she became Publisher of People en Español, a role that saw her transform the magazine into a profitable entity. Under her leadership, People en Español experienced consistent revenue growth, and Jacqueline established herself as an innovative leader in the media industry.
However, it was her time at NBCUniversal, particularly as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at NBCUniversal’s Hispanic Enterprises & Content, that truly cemented her legacy. From 2014 to 2017, Jacqueline spearheaded initiatives aimed at growing the U.S. Hispanic audience, resulting in unprecedented growth for the Telemundo network. Her work on “Generation M: Multicultural, Millennial, Mobile” contributed significantly to the network’s ability to capture and engage diverse audiences, driving both viewership and revenue.
Leading Telemundo to New Heights
Jacqueline’s role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Telemundo Enterprises from 2008 to 2014 marked a transformative period for the network. During her tenure, she helped Telemundo rise from being a challenger brand to securing the number one spot in the competitive U.S. Hispanic media market. Her leadership led to double-digit year-over-year growth and the acquisition of exclusive rights to broadcast the FIFA World Cup in Spanish, which significantly expanded Telemundo’s audience.
Her strategic oversight was instrumental in driving Telemundo’s rebranding efforts, developing a more modern and engaging platform for its viewers. By integrating new digital platforms with the company’s traditional media assets, Jacqueline helped Telemundo become a leading force in the rapidly evolving digital media landscape.
Entrepreneurship: Founding New Majority Ready LLC
In 2019, Jacqueline took another bold step in her career by founding New Majority Ready LLC, a strategic marketing and content firm. The company was created to address the growing need for businesses to engage with younger, more diverse consumer groups, particularly the Gen Z and Alpha generations. Through New Majority Ready, Jacqueline has provided invaluable guidance to companies like Netflix, Spectrum Reach, and GroupM, advising them on multicultural marketing strategies, brand development, and audience engagement.
Her firm focuses on helping businesses understand and connect with the rapidly changing demographic of young, diverse consumers who are shaping the future of media, culture, and business. With her vast experience in multicultural marketing and her deep understanding of the needs of Gen Z, Jacqueline is empowering brands to stay ahead in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
Board Memberships and Advisory Roles
Beyond her work as an entrepreneur and media executive, Jacqueline has been a prominent figure on various boards. As a member of the board of directors for Victoria’s Secret, she is a part of the company’s efforts to redefine its brand and engage more inclusive and diverse audiences. She also served as a board director for MediaCo Holding and Estrella Media, two companies at the forefront of multicultural media and audience engagement.
Her diverse experience also extends to leadership roles on compensation, governance, and human capital committees, where she helps organizations navigate complex business challenges. In addition to her role at Victoria’s Secret, she has also contributed to the success of other companies like Redbox Automated Retail and Combate Americas, where she helped grow the company into a leading Hispanic MMA sports franchise.
Recognition and Influence
Jacqueline Hernández’s groundbreaking work has earned her numerous accolades throughout her career. She has been named one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Latinas and has consistently been recognized as one of The Hollywood Reporter’s Power 100 Women in Entertainment. Her leadership in transforming businesses, driving growth, and building multicultural strategies has also earned her a spot on Advertising Age’s list of the 100 most influential women in advertising.
Her achievements are a testament to her visionary leadership and her commitment to promoting diversity in every facet of her work. Whether it’s through her work with high-profile brands, or her advocacy for diverse representation in media, Jacqueline continues to influence the landscape of marketing, media, and corporate governance.
Education and Certifications
Jacqueline’s dedication to lifelong learning is reflected in her impressive educational background. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Baruch College and has earned additional certifications in corporate governance from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She is also certified in AI Ethics and Board Oversight by Diligent Institute and has earned a certification in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) from Berkeley Law.
These qualifications not only enhance her business acumen but also position her as a thought leader in corporate governance, ethics, and multicultural marketing.
Personal and Professional Values
Jacqueline Hernández’s approach to leadership is driven by her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. Her career has been focused on creating spaces for underrepresented voices and building strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Whether in her executive roles or as a board director, Jacqueline advocates for business strategies that reflect the evolving needs of today’s global society.
Her involvement in high-profile events like the Comic Relief Live Gala and her connections to influential figures in the industry underscore her dedication to fostering collaboration and driving positive change.
New Ventures and Commitment to Corporate Governance
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures and leadership in multicultural marketing, Jacqueline Hernández continues to expand her influence in the realm of corporate governance. She recently joined the Nasdaq Center for Board Excellence (NCBE), a prestigious community of board members, leaders, and innovators dedicated to advancing corporate governance best practices and enhancing board effectiveness. Her involvement in this esteemed network underscores her commitment to ethical leadership and strong governance in today’s business landscape.
Her role in the Nasdaq Center for Board Excellence aligns with her continued work on various boards, where she has consistently championed diversity, equity, and governance best practices. By joining this community, Jacqueline further solidifies her position as a key figure in driving positive change in boardroom leadership.
Conclusion
Jacqueline Hernández’s journey from her early days in marketing to becoming a trailblazer in multicultural marketing, media, and digital strategies is nothing short of inspiring. Through her leadership, entrepreneurial ventures, and advocacy for diversity, she has left an indelible mark on every organization she’s been a part of. As CEO of New Majority Ready, she continues to lead with purpose, helping businesses connect with diverse, young audiences in a rapidly evolving world. Her work not only shapes the future of marketing but also ensures that the voices of the next generation are heard, respected, and represented.
As the world continues to embrace cultural diversity, Jacqueline Hernández remains a beacon of leadership, inspiring future generations of business and media professionals.
