Linda Fernandez

Linda is a creative professional with over 10 years of experience convening the intersection of arts education, advocacy, community engagement, and creative economy. Her career in education began in 2006 when she worked as a 5th grade teacher at Alliance for Progress charter school in North Philadelphia. This experience provided insight into the current state of urban public education which struggles with lack of funding and the necessity of building and leveraging partnerships to gain resources for students.

In her most recent position as the Philadelphia Program Associate for the Knight Foundation, she brought the organization’s national strategy into focus for the city of Philadelphia. Working alongside the Philadelphia Program Director, she helped manage a grant portfolio of $2.7 million dollars to invest in civic assets and ideas that support diverse and emerging leaders from all sectors, enhance pathways to economic opportunities, and foster civic engagement.

Previously, she worked as a teaching artist in partnership with community organizations, recreation centers and social service agencies across the city. Realizing the power and potential in collaboration she co-founded Amber Art & Design LLC, a collective of 6 artists that work with individuals, organizations, and local leaders dedicated to making positive and sustainable changes. In 2016 she co-founded a project called “Hecho en Philly” (Made in Philly) which focuses on supporting hyper local economies through the development and cross sector promotion of artists and makers.

Linda received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Temple University and a Master’s of Public Administration from Baruch College.