Christian Hernandez: Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate

Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Goals!

"I was born in Obregon, Sonora, Mexico, from humble beginnings," says Christian Hernandez. Born to a family of five kids, it wasn't an easy life. "When I was little, I was a sick kid," she recalls. "My mom was always worried about my health." At two years old, Christian suffered a head injury from playing with another kid, leading to seizures for the next four years. 

Christian spent most of her days sleeping, a side effect of the anti-seizure medications, but from what she remembers, domestic violence was at the center of her home life. Fortunately, the seizures disappeared, and Christian started attending school, excelling academically at the top of her class.

"During that time, my dad abandoned us," she recalls. "My mom had to work two jobs to provide for us." Her mother then moved her family closer to the border to provide better opportunities for her children. Christian and her siblings spent much time alone because of their mother's sacrifices. Christian was also subject to bullying in school.

"Thankfully, I had people around me who knew about my family's circumstances. Teachers, neighbors, and others gave me positive words of encouragement. They told me, 'Don't be like everyone else. Don't be a statistic. Continue giving everything that you have.'"

Inspired by these words, Christian started participating in many extracurricular activities, including basketball, debate, poetry, public speaking contests, and cheerleading. She also worked on the radio and was a journalist in school. Her life was filled with challenges, however. 

She started working on the weekends at 12 years old to support her brother, who was the head of the family, along with their mother, and used the money she earned to pay for her schooling. "I was happy to accomplish all those things that kept me on the right path.” 

She met her husband in high school and landed a job at HSBC, a bank in Mexico, in 2006. With her income, she attended a local university and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Corporate Law. 

A New Chapter
In 2009, Christian came to the United States and worked for Bank Of America, where she helped clients with their personal banking needs. Later, she got into the mortgage industry. She is now proud to work as a Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate.

"I never thought I would get to do what I do now," she admits. "Being a loan officer comes easily to me because of my background in law and banking experience; I help my clients by problem-solving, structuring deals, and accomplishing their dream of homeownership."

With her compassion for others, Christian approaches people with kindness. "If I can change someone’s life based upon what I have experienced, that fills my heart.”  She even went back to school to earn her Master's degree in Business Management.

"In 2020, I learned I may have breast cancer. The diagnosis forced me to reconsider every aspect of my life." To help her through that intense process, she hired a personal coach for one year to work on her mindset. It paid off. 

Excelling Professionally
What makes Christian a superb mortgage lender? First, her background in law trained her to think differently, reconsider, and find broader opportunities within tight financial systems. She's always thinking, "How else can I do this? How can I get this done?” She is always looking to find an alternative. Second is her refined, cross-cultural insight— a rare and valuable attribute within our global economy. Finally, she has a personal mission to help people. This humble and intelligent woman is accomplishing this through more than just personal banking.

Christian has achieved national recognition for her role in the mortgage industry. She was quoted in National Mortgage News and Housingwire Magazine. 

In addition, Christian started the AZ Real Estate Bossbabes in 2020. This networking group has grown to 372 members across Arizona, helping women connect at different events covering self-defense, finances, motivation, and success. She also hosts the Rancho Sahuarita Living Group, providing a place for neighbors to connect and businesses to advertise.

Focused on Family
When not working, it's all about family to Christian and her husband Jorge, a captain at the local fire department. "We've been together for 19 years," she smiles.

Together, they have one child, Polette, who is 15, and another on the way. "I'm expecting my second baby in August.” Her name will be Scarlett, and they could not be more excited about their new arrival!

"Spending time with family is my number one hobby," beams Christian. To relax, you can find her making all sorts of creations with canvas and paint.

Relentless
Looking back over her life, Christian knows that her painful past was a stepping stone for her victorious life today, "Everything I went through built my character. I am not a victim." She has overcome so many challenges with her perseverance and persistence. This fearless woman, navigating life with courage and confidence, is relentless. What will Christian accomplish next? Only time will tell!