Dynamic and visionary leader Mariana Fernández is the chief executive officer of the Highland Insurance Group in Lutherville, Maryland. Originally from Venezuela, she embarked on a career in journalism after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in social communications with a concentration in journalism, marketing, and public relations from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in 2010. Her career as a journalist in Venezuela was marked by her time at El Impulso, the oldest newspaper in the country, where she gained invaluable experience navigating the evolving media landscape. Despite significant political challenges for journalists in her homeland, Ms. Fernández’s passion for the craft remained unwavering. However, the increasing risks associated with her work eventually prompted her to relocate to the United States in 2014, searching for new opportunities.
Ms. Fernández’s transition from journalism to insurance might seem like an unconventional leap. Still, her background in communications and marketing provided a solid foundation for her success in the insurance industry. Upon moving to the United States, she initially joined Allstate, working in operations, sales, and marketing. Her versatility, expertise, and drive quickly became apparent, leading to her promotion to operations manager in 2017 and eventually to chief executive officer at Highland Insurance Group in 2022.
Ms. Fernández has been instrumental in growing and shaping her company’s vision. Her leadership responsibilities encompass managing the executive leadership team, overseeing internal operations, building partnerships with other organizations, and serving as the company’s primary spokesperson. She also plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the company meets its organizational goals while fostering a work environment where her team can thrive and feel a genuine sense of ownership in their contributions.
Ms. Fernández’s dedication to her work is focused on business growth and rooted in her commitment to providing excellent service and empowering her clients. Her company’s motto, “Serving through dedication, honesty, and kindness,” reflects her own values. In recent years, this commitment has resulted in an outpouring of positive feedback from her clients, with more than 300 glowing reviews that praise her and her team for their thoroughness, kindness, and dedication. Ms. Fernández takes immense pride in this achievement, noting that it underscores the importance of differentiating themselves from competitors by providing genuine care and education to their clients, especially Latino communities.
A crucial part of Ms. Fernández’s mission at Highland Insurance Group is to educate about insurance coverage, costs, policies, and regulations, which she often does in Spanish, the first language of many of her clients. Her agency’s bilingual approach sets them apart, and Ms. Fernández views this effort as an integral part of her role, even when it does not directly result in a sale. She aims to empower her clients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their insurance needs, a philosophy aligning with her vision of community service.
Ms. Fernández’s commitment to community involvement extends beyond her professional responsibilities. Since arriving in the United States, she has dedicated herself to various civic causes, including volunteering with Buchanan Comparte tu Legado and supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She has also worked with organizations like Un Techo para mi Pais and Baltimore’s Resource Fairs for Public Schools. Her passion for giving back is driven by her desire to positively impact the world around her and inspire others to pursue their dreams.
With success came some challenges. Upon relocating to the United States, Ms. Fernández encountered a distressing work environment that negatively impacted her mental well-being. Overcoming this experience took tremendous resilience, making her current achievements more rewarding. Reflecting on her journey, she attributes much of her growth to faith and the values instilled in her by her parents, who taught her the importance of hard work and doing the right thing. These principles have guided her throughout her career and continue shaping her leadership approach.
Becoming a mother has also been a significant turning point for Ms. Fernández, personally and professionally. The birth of her first child coincided with her decision to open her own agency, an experience she describes as both exhilarating and overwhelming. Despite the immense challenges of balancing motherhood with the demands of running a new business, Ms. Fernández remained steadfast in her vision, working tirelessly to train her team and build her agency from the ground up. Today, her son remains a source of inspiration and motivation as she strives to achieve personal and financial freedom for her family.
Looking ahead, Ms. Fernández ambitiously aims to expand her agency’s reach while continuing to lead a team that feels deeply connected to their work and mission. As a respected figure in Spanish-speaking communities and elsewhere as it relates to the insurance industry, she seeks to mentor and guide individuals to help protect them from exploitation. Her vision extends beyond her agency, as she aspires to foster better communication and collaboration across industries and states.
Ms. Fernández’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and dedication. She recognizes the importance of collaboration over competition, having benefited greatly from the generosity and wisdom of fellow professionals who helped her along the way. She is committed to paying this kindness forward by sharing her own experiences with others, especially women and immigrants who may be facing similar challenges. By doing so, she hopes to inspire others to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve their dreams.