Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Honors 2017 Mother of the Year Tonita Fernandez

Pasadena teacher Tonita Fernandez will be honored as 2017 Mother of the Year by the Pasadena Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority on Saturday, May 13, during the 29th Annual Fashionetta Salute to Mothers and Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show at the Glendale Hilton, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fernandez is the Diversity Coordinator and teaches ?rst grade at Chandler School in Pasadena, one of the African American teachers handling core subjects. Students and parents see her as a teacher who instills the passion to learn, being a warm, nurturing, enthusiastic and caring teacher.

Fernandez graduated from Pasadena High School and has a Bachelor’s degree from LaVerne College and a Master’s in Education/Human Development from Paci?c Oaks College.

She is the proud mother of six children – one girl and ?ve boys – plus 22 godchildren. She has adopted three of her children and is doing foster care with two of her children as she completes the adoption process.

Fernandez said she feels blessed to be able to make a difference in the lives of these children and spends a great deal of time and dedication encouraging and directing their path.

Fernandez loves to help children thrive and be their best. She achieves this in her personal, professional and volunteer life, working with Camp?re Boys and Girls, Group Homes, Sycamores and the National Foster Care Organization.

Fernandez also owns and operates Superstar Education and Enrichment for Kids, a private tutoring and enrichment center that is more commonly known as “the cottage.”

Her primary goal with this facility is to provide services to children from all environments with a special focus on foster children where she helps them move forward socially and academically. She has worked with low-income, under-served and neglected youth her entire career.

Fernandez finds time out of her busy life to craft, hike, coach sports and travel. She enjoys gospel music and considers such songs as “If I Could Help Somebody” and “I Won’t Complain” her favorites. Her life philosophy is “In life, it is not about what you can get but what you can give.”

To attend the Fashionetta event and join the recognition for Tonita Fernandez, visit www.thepaif.org and purchase a ticket. Your support is needed and appreciated.