Oshunbumi Fernandez-CEO
Biography
Celebration, Passion and Persistence….. are the words that come to mind when describing the life of Oshunbumi Fernandez, CEO of ODUNDE, Inc. ODUNDE, Inc. is a world-renowned cultural organization whose mission is to serve the need for cultural enrichment in the African American community.
The organization is known for its “staple event” - the ODUNDE festival which attracts up to 500,000 attendees, covers 12-city blocks, has over 100 arts & craft/ food vendors and has two stages of live entertainment. The festival is the largest African-American street festival in the country. The festival is known throughout the world as one of the original models for African-American festivals, hosting many internationally known African and Caribbean performers, dignitaries, folk artists and cultural leaders.
Ms. Fernandez was named by The Philadelphia Tribune as one of the TOP 10 People Under 40 to watch in 2011 and was recently named one of Philadelphia's most influential African American leaders of 2012, 2013 and 2014. Her education includes a BA in Biology from Temple University and a MBA from LaSalle University. Her dedication to cultural awareness and expression has dominated her professional life. She has been invited to lecture on her personal achievements and the accomplishments of ODUNDE by regional and national organizations.
In October 2011, she created ODUNDE365 to provide year round African and African-American cultural programming in schools, community centers and public venues. ODUNDE365 consists of 4 programs: ODUNDE365 AFRICAN DANCE & DRUMMING CLASSES, I AM B.U.M.I. PROJECT, MY STORY AND ODUNDE365 ARTS & CRAFT CLASSES. Currently these programs have culturally impacted the lives of thousands of people.
She is the owner of BUMI PRODUCTIONS an event planning company whose clients’ list includes: PECO JAZZ, SUNOCO WELCOME AMERICA, LFGA & associates, UNIVERSAL companies and many more.
In April 2013, she was a member of Governor Tom Corbett's Trade Mission delegation to Brazil and Chile. In October 2013, she created KWANZAABRATION with Music Icon Kenny Gamble a festival whose mission is to educate and increase awareness of the Kwanzaa Holiday to the public.
She is a member of the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Affairs, a member of the Point Grays Promise Neighborhood committee, a Board Member of the Christian Street YMCA, an Advisory Board member for the University of Pennsylvania Museum – Imagine Africa Exhibit and was a member of Mayor John Street’s Transitional Team for Arts and Culture. She is the mother of two sons.
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