Fernando J. Pérez

About Fernando J.

• I was born and raised in San Jose, California.
• I went to a performing arts high school, where I was introduced to art, theater, and digital media.
• Attended a local community college in Cupertino, California, for about five years—while I was there, I was able to explore my various interests.
• I found that my passions were really centered around ethnic studies, film/television, and helping other people embrace their culture and identity.
• Transferred to San Jose State University, where I earned my degree in television, radio, film, and theater (TRFT).
• While there, I had the opportunity to run a radio show and a public access television show that focused on telling diverse stories from the community of San Jose.
• After I was wrongly arrested during a traffic stop, I wrote about my experience for Silicon Valley De-Bug, a community advocacy organization that gave me a platform to fight my case.
• Inspired by their mission, I took my background in video production and radio to help Silicon Valley De-Bug elevate their stories—I am now a full-time video coordinator for the organization.