Meet the Founder:
Bernadette Fernandez
Bernadette Fernandez shines as a luminary in holistic student development as the CEO and Program Director of Imagine Etiquette, Inc. Since 2014, she has charted a unique course, seeking to elevate students beyond traditional academic horizons toward all-encompassing personal growth.
At Imagine Etiquette, Bernadette crafts bespoke programs that meld elements of social grace, confidence, financial acumen, entrepreneurial thinking, articulate communication, and sharp interview techniques. While her initial focus was on the
diverse educational landscape of Los Angeles County, she has seamlessly expanded her reach, offering her programs worldwide, both in-person and online.
​
Bernadette realized early on that mainstream education sometimes overlooked the nurturing of a multifaceted individual. With an emphasis on attributes like emotional intelligence, integrity, and leadership, she addresses this shortfall, sculpting a
generation rooted in the tenets of social etiquette.
​
​Her standout programs — SEVA™, BELLS™, Saturday Empowerment, Dining Etiquette, and Parent Workshops — have been lauded in educational circles, acting as catalysts for students to tap into their latent capabilities. The BELLS™ initiative, backed by U-C Doorways, has soared in prominence, primarily through its collaboration with Holston Academy, WASC Accredited. Moreover, her groundbreaking workshops on Internet Safety, Digital Literacy, and Financial Literacy serve not just students but parents, too, bridging the gap and fostering community cohesion.
​Navigating the challenges of 2020, Bernadette emerged resilient and inventive. She rolled out the pioneering Virtual After School Enrichment (VASE™) program, catering to students' and families' emotional needs. In a similar vein, she founded
Imagine Etiquette's Youth Foundation (IEYF), a 501(c)(3) entity. This foundation specializes in a "Behavioral Finance and Lifestyle” summer program for adolescents.
"Empowering our youth with financial literacy from an early age is not just about teaching them to manage money; it's about instilling a mindset of responsibility, foresight, and resilience. At Imagine Etiquette Youth Foundation, we recognize that financial stress can significantly impact mental health. By equipping children with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions, we're also nurturing their mental well-being. Our mission extends beyond individual success; it's about laying the foundation for generational wealth, particularly in underserved communities. Here, financial education isn't just learning—it's a transformative tool for future prosperity and emotional health."
​
— Bernadette Fernandez, IEYF Founder
Awards and Accolades
Bernadette Fernandez’s leadership and vision have earned recognition across education, business, and community empowerment. Her work has been spotlighted by KABC News, NBC News, ESPN LA, BeondTV, LA Parent Magazine, Wave Magazine, and LA Focus Annual First Ladies High Tea. In 2020, she was honored with the 1st Annual Sister Circle Award, presented by former California Assemblymember Sydney Kamlager.
Her commitment to extending learning beyond the classroom is reflected in her creation of the SEVA™ Guidebook for Parents and the Imagine Etiquette Daily Affirmations App—resources that empower families and strengthen student success.
Academically, Bernadette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology from Mount Saint Mary’s University, a Career Technical Education Teaching Credential (CTE), and certifications from UCLA’s Management Development for Entrepreneurs program and USC’s Bridges to Business program, where she serves as an alumna ambassador. She is a certified Women Minority Business Owner (WMBE), a proud member of NAWBO-LA. She has been nominated for both the Los Angeles Times Business2Business Inspirational Women Forum & Leadership Awards and the Los Angeles Business Journal Women’s Leadership Awards.
At the foundation of these achievements is her role as a mother and mentor. Rooted in Los Angeles, Bernadette continues to inspire resilience, ambition, and opportunity through the Imagine Etiquette Youth Foundation, creating a lasting impact for generations of students and families.
