Maria Fernanda Cardenas

Gonzaba Foundation

Executive Director

Maria Fernanda Cardenas is originally from Laredo, Texas, but currently lives in San Antonio with her husband and their two boys. Together she and her family enjoy movie nights, exploring new restaurants, and traveling.

Fernanda is very active in her community and has a passion for helping older adults. In 2021, she
stepped into her role as Executive Director of The Gonzaba Foundation for Healthier Communities, a non-profit organization with a mission to provide resources and improve the lives of the elderly
population in San Antonio. Fernanda brings 10 years of experience from UnitedHealthcare and, during that time, dedicated most of her efforts to helping underserved communities.

Fernanda is a proud St. Mary’s University graduate who went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Political Science. Go Rattlers!

Additionally, Fernanda is a board member of many organizations to include South Texas Adult Protective Services, Grandparents Raising Grandkids, among others. More recently, she joined the City and County Joint Commission on Elderly Affairs and is a San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustee. Each committee and appointed position provide an opportunity to better learn, serve, and identify the needs of the senior population in San Antonio.