Phil Hernandez

Phil was born and raised in the Hampton Roads area, attended public schools, and received a Gates Millennium Scholarship, which made it possible for him to attend William & Mary, study abroad at Oxford University, and become the first in his family to graduate from college.

He was determined to put that education to good use, to solve problems and serve others. Phil signed up to serve in President Obama’s White House Domestic Policy Council, where—for nearly four years—he partnered with leaders all over the country to promote clean energy, fight for clean air and water, and help coordinate the response to the BP Oil Spill – the worst spill in American history.

While in law school, he spent his time representing low-income families facing eviction. During this time, he developed legislation aimed at preventing homelessness and then pushed that bill—AB 2819—through the legislature. It was signed into law in 2016 and is now protecting thousands of families each year. During law school, Phil was also a moot court champion.

Most recently, Phil worked as an attorney who advocates for civil rights and the rights of working people. In this role, he interacted with people from all walks of life—from grassroots organizers to union leaders to people who have been through the criminal justice system—all in the name of creating more and better economic opportunities for all people.