Keynote Speaker
April Hernandez
Actor April Hernandez also known as April Hernandez Castillo was born and raised in the borough known as the Boogie Down Bronx. Growing up in the tough streets of the Bronx during the crack epidemic era, April always knew in her heart she was created for more. Her mother would always say “there is nothing impossible as long as you dream big and work hard.” April’s dream became a reality when she booked her first commercial as the “Yo girl” in the Visa Check Card spot starring Yao Ming and Yogi Berra. The commercial would air for the Super Bowl and become a sports classic. She then went on to star in television shows such as; Law & Order: SVU, The following, Person of Interest, Elementary, 30 Rock and Nurse Jackie to name a few. She also garnered a recurring role on Showtime’s hit show Dexter. But she is most noted for her powerful portrayal as, “Eva Benitez” in the MTV movie Freedom Writers starring Oscar winner Hilary Swank. In 2015, she ventured into a new role as a television host and co-hosted a faith-based talk show called 100 Huntley with New York Times bestselling author, Eric Metaxas. In her most recent work she starred on NBC’s popular show- New Amsterdam.
Speaker Many aren’t aware of this fun fact about April but before becoming a dramatic actor she was a stand up comedian. She performed in Stand Up NY and New York comedy club several times. It takes great courage and belief to tell stories and get people to react with laughter. Speaking in front of audiences was a natural transition from screen to stage. April realized she had a story to share after filming Freedom Writers. She was a survivor of intimate partner violence and nearly lost her life. She also contemplated suicide twice. “Leaving the abusive relationship was hard but believing I could still become someone was a greater mountain I had to climb.” April’s message of the power of one’s voice and the ability to move beyond trauma has taken her on a journey across the United States, reaching audiences from middle schools, high schools, universities and conferences. From speaking at Harvard University, Q Conference to her biggest stage to date -TEDx. April shared her most personal story on the TEDx stage talking about her struggles with becoming a mom and the stigma on post partum. The title of the talk is called “The Gift of TransPARENTcy”. Not only is she an accomplished speaker but April also authored her first book, ” Your Voice Your Choice”, which describes her abuse and how she was able to leave the relationship and never look back.
Mompreneur Not only is April an actor, speaker, author, creative producer, she is a wife and mother to two girls- Summer Rose and Lyla. April has been with her husband and business partner Jose Castillo for over 19 years and 13 years being married. They are the co-owners of their production company Lion Chaser films and Zalo Photography. “My husband and I are two creative forces and we were determined to create content with purpose that would impact lives.” Some of our past clients have been Eventus, McDonald’s, Material Girl by Madonna, The Detective Rafael Ramos Foundation for the officer who was slane in 2015 alongside his partner, GearUp, Shutter Stock, Elie Saab and more. Lion Chaser Films is currently filming their first documentary on legendary photographer Joe Conzo Jr called, “Born in the Bronx”. But the couple has joined forces in a new venture titled Parental Voices Matter. It is a workshop designed by parents for parents and guardians. Created to ignite, educate and support the parental community. Parenting in the 21st century is so much different than when we grew up. I have found parents feel disconnected with their children and feel as if their voices don’t matter. Also so many parents or overworked, burnt out and unmotivated. We are on a mission to provide new insight on how to parent in this day and age. Create a space where parents can reconnect with themselves and refocus on their own dreams and goals. We
know first hand what it is like to run a business while maintaining a career and raising children. It can seem very difficult but not impossible. Parents are the foundation to a child and we must build them up. But we must build ourselves up as well so children can see what they can become.
