Ana Marisa Hernandez

Ana Marisa commenced her role as ESG’s first Director of Talent & Culture in May 2024, bringing over two decades of comprehensive experience in people operations. Her expertise spans talent acquisition, benefits administration, professional development, retention, payroll, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.

Before her tenure at ESG, Ana Marisa was a strategic, proactive, and hands-on leader in various sectors, including educational technology, mental health care, international exchange education, and hospitality. She has a proven track record of helping startup organizations establish robust talent acquisition processes and people operations, as well as in developing and nurturing a thriving company culture.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Dance with a minor in Arts from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

Residing just outside Texas’ capital in Hutto, Ana Marisa enjoys life with her husband and newly blended family and children. She is the devoted owner of two rescue cats, Enzo and Polar Bear, and a small Shih Tzu named Barley. Outside of work, Ana Marisa dedicates her time to spending quality time with her family, gardening, experimenting with new recipes, and supporting her children at their baseball games and competitive gymnastics meets.

Why are you in this work?

This work is deeply personal and fulfilling. Raised in a family of educators, as a second-generation and non-traditional student, I understood the critical importance of post-secondary education and the significant challenges in accessing it due to early childhood adversity. At this point in my career it is vital for me to assist the next generation in achieving success and to support the employees who help facilitate this impact across the K-12, postsecondary, and workforce sectors.

Why ESG?

Matt Gandal’s vision for ESG really resonates with me. I aim to actively champion and advocate for this vision, alongside the entire leadership team, as we prioritize one of ESG’s most significant assets: its people.