We had the good fortune of connecting with Rafael and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rafael, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
The ability to use the blessings and fruits from my efforts and share them to make an impact in other’s life.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’d like to introduce Kerrnandez, a nonprofit organization that, despite its small size, makes a significant impact on the lives of many students in Mexico. Through strategic partnerships with selected universities, we have been able to create meaningful change in students’ lives.

At Kerrnandez, we provide full-year sponsorships that equip students with the resources they need to succeed. Each sponsored student receives:

✅ A brand-new computer
✅ A monthly stipend of 3,000 pesos for meals, transportation, and medical expenses
✅ Paid home internet access
✅ Personalized mentorship and direct support from our board of directors, including myself

Our mission is to empower students by removing financial barriers and providing them with the tools, guidance, and opportunities to reach their full potential.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When friends visit, I always tailor the trip to their preferences rather than just taking them to my favorite spots. For me, the best experiences come from seeing them enjoy the places they’re most excited about—whether that means a stop at IHOP for my brother, even though it’s not my favorite, or a visit to The Cheesecake Factory for a friend who loves it.

That said, once they’ve had their fill of their must-visit spots, I like to introduce them to the places that mean the most to me. I’m all about open spaces and nature, so renting a place in the mountains—especially in Granby, Colorado—is a must. It’s an affordable and beautiful escape with so much to explore. Closer to home, Barr Lake is an underrated gem right near Commerce City, perfect for unwinding in nature.

When it comes to food, I’m a huge fan of Asian cuisine—Korean BBQ, pho, and Vietnamese dishes are my go-to choices. I love sharing these flavors with my friends, especially if they’re new to them.

Ultimately, my goal is to make their trip unforgettable by blending the places they love with the experiences that I enjoy most. Seeing them happy makes the trip worthwhile, and I always make sure there’s a perfect balance between their favorites and mine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife Mairead Kerr for her unrelenting support and understanding.

Website: https://kerrnandez.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafablazer/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafablazer/

Twitter: rafablazer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerrnandez/

Image Credits
Rafael Hernandez @rafablazer rafahernandez.org

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.