AUSTIN LORD/GATHER PORTRAIT STUDIO
Raven Hernandez
Whether they’re working behind a desk, in the field, or on the road, trailblazing women are paving their own way in Music City. Now they’re taking a break from their busy schedules to share their success stories with us.
THE DAILY HUSTLE
I am currently focused on accelerating the adoption of clean technology through all-electric rideshare.
EARLY AMBITIONS
From a young age, I defined success as the ability to create opportunities for friends and family to elevate from financial hardship and pursue passions. At some point in high school, I decided success would look like becoming an attorney. However, while in law school, I had the realization that my definition of success was limited, and I had the ability to go farther than what I originally had dreamed for myself. I found my passion for health around this time and knew that success now meant creating a company that was solely focused on expanding awareness of clean technology to excite others about the possibility of a healthy environment. No job is too little was always my view. I started undergrad at Lipscomb University as a 17-year-old and worked at Red Bull while picking up side gigs as much as possible. I knew these experiences were not only instilling discipline but expanding my network and knowledge of different industries. While law school was my focus, thankfully, I learned a lot of skills along the way that gave me broader knowledge when starting Earth Rides.
THE NASHVILLE CONNECTION
Growing up a first-generation American in Nashville comes with a lot. For me, it meant not looking like the people around you but still connecting with them on a human-to-human level. Some say the south isn’t diverse, but in Antioch I grew up with Laotians, Haitians, Egyptians, Filipinos, Nigerians, and so many others. No matter the ethnicity, we were old-school Nashvillians which meant you waved at anyone in your neighborhood and talked to strangers at the checkout. Now as an adult, I am so grateful for the life lessons Tennessee taught me.
CHALLENGES FACED
The challenges started long before I even thought to bet on myself and start Earth Rides. Lack of knowledge and resources has been the biggest barrier to entry for women and POC when attempting to change generational hardships. To combat this lack of knowledge, I and millions of women in the U.S. obtain expensive degrees, with women holding two-thirds of student debt. Coupled with the fact that women are on average paid less, it’s a steep hill to climb. Personally, I tap into organizations like Women in Clean Tech and Sustainability and Brain Trust to help break down the lack of knowledge barrier by creating networks of women who are active in pouring into one another.
ADVICE FOR OTHERS
Get the degree because you want it, not because you think you need letters at the end of your name to validate your abilities. Own every room you walk into. Meet as many people as you can. And at the end of the day, give yourself grace. When you have doubt let it come, but be grounded in the belief in yourself.
Meet Raven Hernandez and other women in the local community who are the best in their fields at our annual Women in Business event.
>>> PURCHASE TICKETS
The mix and mingle reception will be held on August 18 from 5-7:30 p.m., to network with our Women in Business honorees plus 300 other local business professionals. Throughout the evening, we will be doing live Q and A sessions with each woman!