Founder & Executive Director
With a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Southern Mississippi and professional experience as executive director of the African Caribbean American Catholic Center, Ismael leads FVI based on the principles of effective compassion and personal responsibility. Ismael frequently lectures with the Acton Institute’s Acton University in Grand Rapids, Michigan and has lectured for American Enterprise Institute. Ismael is the author of the book Not Tragically Colored, as well as many articles for various publications. He lives in Fort Myers and is married to Crystal Hernandez. They have three children, Lael, Mateo, and Miriam. His favorite quote is:
Favorite Quote: “Indeed, a major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself.” – Milton Friedman