Jesús Fernández is a first-year Master of Public Diplomacy Candidate. Jesús is originally from Long Beach, CA but moved to La Jolla, CA to complete his undergraduate education. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business and International Relations from the University of California, San Diego.

Before coming to USC Annenberg, Jesús worked at the UC San Diego International House as a Programs and Marketing Intern. During his time there, Jesús planned and hosted international education programs that aimed to foster global citizenship in the San Diego-Tijuana area. Some of those programs included weekly language gatherings, expert panel discussions on global issues, and excursions to globally engaged areas in the region. Jesús has been a life-long advocate for global citizenship and human rights. His advocacy work introduced him to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) where he worked in the organization’s immigration department. At the IRC, Jesús helped process naturalization applications and facilitate USCIS citizenship interview preparation classes for asylum seekers and refugees. His experiences have led him to develop academic interests in digital diplomacy, international education, media relations, and non-governmental organizations in areas of conflict. After graduation, Jesús hopes to continue to work in global affairs and human rights.