Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Eder Perdomo Hernandez of Alhambra

We recently had the chance to connect with Eder Perdomo Hernandez and have shared our conversation below.

Eder, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy was when I saw my hard work genuinely make a difference through my roles as a CNA, student leader, and advocate. While caring for elderly patients, moments of connection listening to their stories, comforting them, and making them feel respected reminded me why I chose healthcare. I also felt deep joy during my leadership work at Cal State LA, especially when organizing projects that supported immigrant and marginalized students like myself. Seeing people feel seen, informed, and empowered because of something I helped create was incredibly rewarding. A proud moment for me was realizing I could successfully balance school, work, and leadership responsibilities without losing sight of my goals. That joy came from purpose, resilience, and knowing my efforts are creating meaningful impact. It reaffirmed that I am on the right path toward nursing and mental health advocacy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Eder Perdomo Hernandez, and I am a psychology student, CNA, content creator, and Vice Chair in student leadership at Cal State LA. In my role as Vice Chair, I help lead initiatives, coordinate programs, and support the voices of students, particularly those from immigrant, LGBTQIA+, and marginalized communities. I currently work as a Certified Nursing Assistant, where I care for elderly patients and gain hands-on experience that fuels my goal of becoming a psychiatric nurse. My personal brand is grounded in authenticity, representation, and service, shaped by growing up in an immigrant household and navigating higher education as a first-generation student. What makes my work unique is that I bridge leadership, healthcare, and advocacy, both on and off campus. Through my content and projects, I highlight alternative pathways into healthcare and challenge stereotypes about who belongs in these spaces. I am actively preparing for nursing school while continuing to build a platform that empowers others to lead with purpose and resilience.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me the most about work are my immigrant parents. From a young age, I watched them sacrifice comfort, stability, and rest so that my siblings and I could have opportunities they never had. They showed me that work is not just about earning a paycheck, but about responsibility, resilience, and showing up even when things are hard. Their work ethic was built on survival, love, and hope for a better future, and that deeply shaped how I approach my own goals. Seeing them navigate long hours, language barriers, and discrimination taught me perseverance and humility. Because of them, I value hard work as a form of gratitude and purpose. Everything I do in healthcare, leadership, and school is rooted in the lessons they modeled every day.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that you are not behind, you are becoming. Every challenge, doubt, and moment of feeling unseen is quietly shaping your strength and purpose. One day, the things that make you feel different will become the very reasons people look to you for leadership and compassion. You do not need to shrink yourself to fit into spaces that were not built with you in mind. Keep going, even when the path feels heavy, because your resilience will open doors you cannot yet see. Trust that your story, rooted in sacrifice and love, will one day inspire others to believe in their own.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One truth that is deeply foundational in my life is that sacrifice is often invisible, but it is the root of every opportunity I have today, a lesson I learned by watching my immigrant parents work relentlessly to give our family stability and hope. I rarely say out loud how strongly I believe that resilience is not something you are born with, but something you develop through repeated moments of discomfort, fear, and persistence. Another core truth I carry is that representation truly matters, because when people see themselves reflected in leadership, healthcare, and education, it reshapes what they believe is possible for their own lives. I also live by the belief that service gives life its deepest meaning, which is why I am drawn to both healthcare and student leadership roles where I can advocate for others. Over time, I have learned that growth is not linear, and setbacks do not mean failure but rather redirection and learning. I rarely articulate how much I trust the process, even when the journey feels slow or uncertain, because experience has taught me that patience is part of purpose. At the core of everything, I hold the quiet truth that empathy is a powerful form of leadership, and it guides how I show up for others every day.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
I know I am out of my depth when I feel challenged in ways that force me to slow down, ask questions, and lean on others instead of relying solely on myself. It often shows up when I realize that good intentions are not enough and that I need more knowledge, guidance, or experience to do something well. In healthcare and leadership, this usually happens when the responsibility feels bigger than my comfort level, but not bigger than my commitment. Rather than seeing that feeling as failure, I have learned to recognize it as a sign of growth. Being out of my depth teaches me humility and reminds me that learning is a continuous process. It is in those moments that I intentionally seek mentorship, collaboration, and reflection. Knowing when I am out of my depth has helped me become a stronger, more self-aware leader and caregiver.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Traviesowinz?utm_source=linktree_admin_share
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@traviesowinz?_r=1&_t=ZP-92HRx9peTN8

Image Credits
TikToo, RedBull