Creative Director, Designer and Entrepreneur

Cecilia Fernandez, class of 2001, is a creative director, designer, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience building and leading premium lifestyle brands across fashion, accessories, and jewelry. Her career spans global brands and independent ventures, with a focus on thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and cohesive brand storytelling.

She has held senior creative leadership roles at companies including V i X Paula Hermanny, Pura Vida Bracelets, and American Specialty Health, where she led multidisciplinary design teams, directed large-scale campaigns and photoshoots, and partnered closely with marketing and executive leadership to bring brands to life across digital, wholesale, and retail channels. Her work has supported multi-million-dollar businesses and award-winning campaigns, while mentoring and developing creative teams along the way.

In 2023, she founded So Niice, a jewelry brand rooted in quality materials and intentional design. As a small business owner, she oversees every aspect of the brand—from product design and handcrafting to marketing, sales, and retail partnerships—with an emphasis on wanting to “redefine the golden rule."

She is passionate about empowering women through creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurship, and is honored to return to her alma mater to share her journey and insights with the next generation.