Our Team.
Our Chicago Veterans Board
Karen Hernandez, Executive Director
Karen Hernandez was born and raised in La Villita and Pilsen. She enlisted into the U.S. Army in 2008, commissioned in 2011, and is currently a Brigade Medical Operations Officer. Karen graduated from Lewis University with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science/Criminal Social Justice. She completed the Executive Education program at the University of Chicago Booth Program, Nonprofit and Leadership Development at North Park University, and she was a honor graduate completing Intermediate Level Education (ILE) at the Command General and Staff College with the U.S. Army. She recently deployed as a Field Hospital Commander to CENTCOM and provided 5 medical support teams to Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Karen is the mother of an intelligent, highly energetic teenage boy who challenges her to continue excelling in her career fields every day. Karen has served as the Executive Director for Chicago Veterans since 2017.
Cindy Fernandez, Board Member
Cindy is a Recruiter and Leadership Development Coach where she focuses on supporting current and former educators to explore locally elected opportunities. Cindy has over 15 years of experience equipping organizations to achieve continued success through customer growth & retention. Having a passion for helping others, Cindy has been part of the Chicago Veterans community since 2014.
She is a first-generation Mexican American, Chicago native, community organizer, and travel enthusiast. She attended DePaul University and in her free time, enjoys strength training, spending time with her son, and volunteering at her local church.
Dr. Terrell Odom, Board Member
Dr. Terrell Odom is a U.S. Navy veteran born in Chicago and raised in the Auburn Gresham, Englewood, and South Shore communities. He served in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. Terrell has worked in higher education for over 15 years. He received his Bachelor of Science from DeVry University, his Master of Business Administration in Accounting from American Military University, a Master of Public Administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Chicago State University.
Leslie Rodriguez, Board Member
Leslie is a Chicago Native, US Navy Veteran and holds a Bachelors Degree from DuPaul University. Leslie has over fifteen years of successful management and leadership experience and is currently the Chief of Staff at a nonprofit organization and Business Services Specialist.
Lourdes Fernando, Women's Division Program Manager
Lourdes' journey began in a quaint California town, just an hour east of bustling San Francisco. Inspired by her two cousins who served in the Marine Corps, she felt a
calling to follow in their footsteps, but her dream was to become a nurse. At 17, she joined the Army National Guard's medical field to pursue her passion for
healthcare. During her 11-year military career, Lourdes tackled three diverse specialties and participated in numerous special missions. She spent three years promoting the
Army National Guard as a Marketing Specialist on a mobile recruiting team in 43 states. Afterward, she volunteered to assist in California's forest fires mission, working alongside wildland firefighters. As a recruiter, she guided civilians toward service opportunities. Following her service, Lourdes pursued two Master's
degrees while living in Washington State. Her path led her to Chicago due to a PCS move, where she ventured into real estate, assisting veterans and service
members with VA home loan benefits. She achieved her dream of becoming a landlord, purchased a fourunit property with a VA home loan, and became an
instructor for VA housing education. She serves as the Midwest Regional Ambassador for Keller Williams Military and contributes to the Agent Leadership
Counsel. Transitioning from the military brought challenges, but Lourdes found acceptance at a Chicago Veterans event and became integral to local veteran organizations. She dedicates her time and support, coordinating events for
women veterans, fostering a nurturing environment for lasting friendships.
Lourdes' journey reflects her dedication to service, resilience, and unwavering commitment to supporting fellow veterans.
Denisse Ocasio, Events Manager
Denisse Ocasio is a U.S Army Veteran who enlisted in 2006 and served as a Chaplain assistant with the 108 th Sustainment Brigade based out of Chicago, IL until 2017. She now cares for veterans as a Respiratory Therapist at a VA hospital in the Chicagoland area. Denisse loves to stay active within the Chicago Veteran community. Some of her passions are archery (currently undergoing coach training) and running.
Carolina Contreras, Outreach Coordinator
Carolina grew up in the Southside of Chicago in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2004 and served as a Hospital Corpsman until 2010. While serving she deployed on the USS Boxer LHD-4 in 2005 as well as on the USNS Mercy in 2008. Carolina graduated from National University in 2015 with a Bachelors of Science in Public Health. She gained knowledge of Veteran benefits as a Veterans Service Representative while working at the Department of Veterans Affairs. She is currently the Director of Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation for The American Legion Department of Illinois.
