Written by Ben Cox– BrownwoodNews.com would like to offer a “tip of our cap” to a selection of women in town that have made a positive impact on the lives of those around them. Whether by profession, or pastime, these community leaders contribute a rich part to the fabric of Brownwood, and we feel they deserve to have their time in the spot light. We present to you, The Leading Ladies of Brownwood. This week’s leading lady is: Anna Hernandez
I sat down with Anna and asked her our list of questions that each Leading Lady will be asked, with a few off the cuff questions specifically for her, and here are her responses.
What is your current profession/What do you do?
I work for Danhil Containers, I’ve been there since 2015. I started in production, then went up to the office area, I helped in HR and now I’m an internal auditor.
What clubs or organizations are you a member of locally?
I am a part of the Brown County Youth Fair Association, the Ron Jackson State School Mentor and MOTC group, St Mary’s Catholic Church, the 4H project and Cinco de Mayo with the Arts Council. I am also involved with West Texas Rehab and their concert fundraisers. They helped me so much after my son Josh’s accident, and I want to help them in return.
Where were you born? Where did you grow up?
Here, and here. I was born here in the old hospital off of Coggin Avenue. My parents lived in Placid for a while, my father worked for a ranch there and then we moved back to Brownwood when I was in third grade. Graduated High School here, went to commercial college here, and then started working.
Are your parents still around?
Yes, we live on the same ranch. We have acreage outside of Brownwood towards Brookesmith. They used to live here in town, they had a business and sold it three years ago, Martinez Cake Palace. They moved out to the ranch with us there, and I have a sister that lives there, another sister in Waco and brother here in town.
What are some of your fondest memories of childhood?
Being together everywhere we went. We were always together as a family. We never got left with a babysitter, we were always going wherever mom and dad were going.
Who left a lasting impression upon you that still is with you today?
Father Tom Barley. He was an intern to become a priest when he came here, and then left to become ordained after several years. He came back, and is in charge of the MOTC group at the state school. I look up to him for serving and never saying no.
What do you hope your legacy will be?
Helping the community and staying on top of what’s going on, helping those that are in need, and for just giving people a hug. When you come up to people you never know whether they needed a hug or not, and it can leave a special feeling there. You don’t know what they’re going through, and sometimes you don’t want to ask and make them think about that stuff. You want to teach the younger ones that you are here as an example.
What is 1 lesson that you would like your to son to take with him through life?
Never give up, always be there through the good, through the bad. You’re going to get through all of it, and end up with a bright smile.
How has living in Brownwood shaped your life?
I went from a kid, to an adult and a leader. Anything you want to be in Brownwood, you have the support from the community. There’s no limits, however high you wanna go. It’s a volunteer community that you can’t find anywhere else.
If you could speak to yourself as a High School freshman, what would you say to yourself?
Focus. Concentrate on what’s coming up as you go from a teenager to a young adult. Be mature enough to know what you’re looking for in the future, as you build that dignity and social trust.
What is one goal for yourself/family that you haven’t achieved yet?
I’ve been a single mom since Josh was born. So, to achieve everything you want to is hard. There’s a lot of things I’d like to do, I’d like to travel the country. I would like to visit the all 50 states and see all the wonders we have around us and aren’t even aware of.
How do you feel you have impacted Brownwood?
I guess by living here, staying here and helping to give back to the community when they help you. Growing, making it a better place for families, kids, and even retiree’s who are here. I like to promote things and get out and look for helpers and volunteers. Sometimes all you have to do is ask and people jump right up and ask ‘what time do I need to be there?’ It’s fulfilling to know that everybody wants to be there.
What is one thing you’d like to see for the future of Brownwood?
I’d like for it to continue as a farm type community, where everybody is friends with their neighbors. Protecting and guiding each other. For people to not be in a position that is hard for them to live with, or for them to have to do without.
What makes you proud to live in Brownwood?
There’s so much love, so much to live for and get to know. There are so many people here in town and it gives that good feeling that people are here to stay.
What does it mean to you to be considered one of the “Leading Ladies of Brownwood?”
I’m very honored that someone has looked at what I have done and seen that I have tried to go above and beyond. I hope that the younger generation is inspired and can see that good things happen and that they can also be leading ladies some day.
