Jackie Fernandez ’79 was the kind of employee many companies dream of hiring: hard working, dependable and a great leader. She cared deeply about her colleagues, going out of her way to mentor and develop rising leaders. After more than 35 years at Deloitte, including more than 20 as a partner, Jackie retired as a beloved colleague, regarded by many as “part of my family.” She also was among the first generation of women to be both a partner and a mother, making her a trailblazer and role model for those who followed in her footsteps.
Shortly after her retirement, Jackie was diagnosed and lost her battle with cancer, leaving behind her husband Manny Fernandez ’80, whom she met at LMU, and son Jimmy. As a tribute to her as a friend and colleague, current and past Deloitte partners and employees established the Jacqueline M. Fernandez ’79/Deloitte Foundation Endowed Memorial Scholarship at the LMU College of Business Administration.
Deloitte Partner Brent Schoenbaum, one of Jackie’s early mentees, says their families became so close that they often vacationed together. For him, the scholarship was a way to memorialize his friend’s many accomplishments at Deloitte.