During grad school, Gulliver alumna Dani Hernandez ’12 developed a deep passion for public service that eventually led her to work at the City of Miami. Throughout her college years and career, Dani says Gulliver helped shape who she would become. Gulliver will always be a home for her, full of cherished memories, relationships, and profound lessons learned. Read more below!
What have you been up to since graduating from Gulliver?
I currently serve as the Business Development Manager for the City of Miami’s Department of Economic Innovation and Development. The department plays a pivotal role in positioning Miami as a future-ready city by leveraging innovation, technology, and forward-thinking policy.
One of our flagship initiatives is the Future of Mobility Series, which convenes thought leaders to explore cutting-edge solutions in transportation and urban mobility. Key projects include:
- The Brickell Digital Twin Demonstration Project – in collaboration with Dell and NVIDIA, this initiative uses AI and digital simulations to optimize urban planning.
- The 5G Innovation District – aimed at enhancing digital connectivity in the Little River and Little Haiti neighborhoods.
These efforts reflect our commitment to transforming Miami into a hub of innovation and connectivity.
What inspired you to pursue your current career, and how has your path evolved along the way?
I’ve always been fascinated by politics and government in all forms. I began my career with a background in marketing and journalism, spending five years in the private sector before deciding to shift directions following the pandemic.
I went back to school and pursued a master’s degree in Strategic Communication and Public Relations at the University of Miami. During that time, I worked full-time at the Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, where I was exposed to public policy and urban planning. One of my professors, Professor Jack Miller, played a key role in helping me apply what I was learning to real-world settings. Through that experience, I discovered a deep passion for public service and knew this was the path I wanted to continue on.
Was there something you learned at Gulliver—inside or outside the classroom—that’s made an impact on your life?
Absolutely. Gulliver was more than just a school—it was a place that nurtured individuality. I was never pressured to fit into a specific mold, and that freedom allowed me to discover and grow into myself authentically.
The school fostered an internal support system where changing your goals or interests was accepted—even encouraged. Gulliver had a rare ability to celebrate each student’s unique strengths while building a community that felt like family. I learned how to stand confidently and independently, while also being a strong team player.
Much of that confidence came from my teachers and especially my counselor, Ms. Compel, whose belief in me was foundational to my development.
Are there any Gulliver teachers or coaches you credit as having positively influenced you?
Ms. Compel and Mr. Solomon had a profound impact on me. Ironically, I probably spent more time in their offices than I should have—usually due to dress code violations or being late to my early bird classes—but those moments turned into some of my most meaningful memories.
They each had a unique way of guiding students with compassion. Mr. Solomon had a gift for turning disciplinary conversations into moments of reflection and empowerment. His advice always left me thinking deeper. Eventually, I began visiting his office just to talk because it felt like a safe space.
Ms. Compel, on the other hand, supported me with unmatched patience, care, and consistency. Her influence extended far beyond my time at Gulliver—we’re still in touch, and I continue to share life updates with her. I genuinely believe she made every student feel that way, which is incredibly rare.
While I’m highlighting these two, it took the entire faculty to make Gulliver feel like home. From Ms. Marin to Coach Sims (who, despite me never playing sports, still found ways to keep me in line), every staff member played a role in shaping my journey.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Gulliver Prep?
The atrium—hands down. It was a central hub filled with laughter, friendships, and meaningful in-between moments. I probably made myself late to class more than a few times just to soak it in, but I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.
Another cherished memory was seeing Mr. Bales at the front of the lunch line. I’m sure he noticed me skipping ahead daily, but he let me feel like I was getting away with it. Small gestures like that made school feel warm and personal.
What has been one of your proudest moments?
Graduating with a 4.0 from the University of Miami’s master’s program in Strategic Communication and Public Relations was a turning point.
I wasn’t always the student who exceeded expectations—I used to do just enough to pass. But this time, I pursued something I was truly passionate about, and it showed. That period was one of intense personal and professional growth. Achieving those results on my own terms, for my own sense of fulfillment, validated my decision to enter the public sector and fueled my confidence moving forward.
As a Gulliver alum, what advice would you give to current students?
Once, after skipping yoga class, I ended up—once again—in Mr. Solomon’s office. Instead of giving me detention, he printed out my class schedule and wrote the annual tuition at the bottom. He broke it down by day and class, showing me the true value of the education I was receiving.
He said, “If your parents believe in your potential enough to invest this much, why don’t you?”
That moment stuck with me. So, my advice is this: don’t take a single day for granted. These years lay the foundation for the rest of your life. Build real friendships. Show up, even to yoga. Soak it all in, because one day you’ll look back and realize just how special it all was.
How do you stay connected with fellow Gulliver Prep alumni or the school community?
I keep up with Gulliver’s growth and achievements through its social media platforms. Beyond that, some of my closest, most enduring friendships came from my time there. The school gave me a community that still feels like family, even years later.
