From Community Assistant to Regional Leasing Specialist: Riding the Wave of Growth with Grit and Heart
Some people find a job. Others find a calling — and for this Campus Advantage team member, it started the moment she walked into a leasing office as a college freshman. Now a Regional Leasing Specialist, Jenna Hernandez is living proof that passion, authenticity, and a whole lot of grit can take you far. From her early days as a Community Assistant to winning Leasing Manager of the Year and mentoring the next generation of leaders, she’s been all in, every step of the way. Get to know the vibrant, driven, and culture-defining teammate who proudly calls herself a “true CA baby.”
Tell us a little bit about your current role and how long you’ve been with the company.
I always say I’m a true CA baby! My journey with Campus Advantage started back in 2019, right before turn season kicked off, and I’ve been riding the wave ever since. Well, minus a tiny 3-minute break (OK, maybe a little longer) during a takeover, but I found my way right back home. I’m currently a Regional Leasing Specialist, which means I get to partner with an awesome portfolio of properties, help them hit their leasing goals, and tackle challenges head-on.
What first attracted you to work for Campus Advantage?
Picture this: freshman me, completely overwhelmed trying to figure out where to live. It was honestly intimidating until I walked into the leasing office. The Community Assistants were so friendly, fun, and helpful. The vibe was just good. I started referring my friends to sign leases, and before I knew it, one of the Community Assistants said, “Hey, you should apply!” I had no idea it was a student-led job, and the moment I found out, I was all in. I wanted to be part of the culture they created.
What is your professional background?
I’ve been working in customer service since the minute I turned 16! I originally studied criminal justice at Sam Houston State University and ended up at the University of North Texas with a degree in rehabilitation studies. So yes, I’ve been on a little bit of a journey and yes, “Go Mean Green!”
What does a typical day look like in your role?
The fun part? No two days are the same! My role shifts depending on what our on-site teams need, and I love being in the thick of it with them. On any given day, I could be auditing, brainstorming with Catalyst on ad displays, doing market analysis, building game plans, hopping on calls with leasing managers and regional managers, or traveling to different properties. We’re always digging deep to find those leasing “honey holes” to keep pushing toward our goals and yes, we really call them that!
What three words best describe you (inside or outside of work)?
I’d say I’m pretty consistent — who I am at work is exactly who I am outside of it. If I had to pick three words that sum me up:
Authentic – I lead with honesty, show up as my true self, and never feel the need to wear a mask. What you see is what you get, and I think that builds the strongest connections.
Grit – I’ve walked through some fire and come out stronger every time. I don’t give up easily, and I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves, dig deep, and get things done even when it’s tough.
Creative and passionate – OK fine, four words to describe me! I’m at my best when I’m building something, whether it’s a leasing strategy or team morale. I bring energy, ideas, and heart to everything I do, and I care a lot.
How would you describe the Campus Advantage culture?
Electric. This place is full of energy, opportunity, and people who really want to see you grow. I’ll never forget being just two months in as a Community Assistant when I met Jasmine Rivera, our Regional Manager at the time. I shook her hand and told her I wanted to be her one day. She laughed, sat me down, and walked me through how to make that happen. That moment meant everything, and it’s the perfect example of how our culture is built on mentorship, ambition, and growing from the ground up.
What is one of your favorite moments with Campus Advantage so far?
I have two — and I’m not choosing between them!
First: winning Leasing Manager of the Year. That year was one of the toughest. I was running the site solo, I became a mom, and I was giving everything I had. To be recognized like that? It was a full-on “I made it” moment.
Second: watching Kirklan McMinn win Leasing Manager of the Year at the FOCUS Conference. We started as Community Assistants together, worked at multiple sites side by side, and got to celebrate each other’s growth. It felt like our own personal Grammy moment!
Thinking about your most successful peers and teammates, what characteristics do they share?
One word: grit. The people I admire most at CA are the ones who aren’t afraid to walk through the fire. They push themselves and everyone around them to be better. And they do it all while cracking jokes and keeping the energy high!
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Outside of work, I’m all about recharging with my family. They keep my heart and cup full. We’re always on the hunt for the best local food spots, taking park trips with my son, and going on morning walks. I also love hitting Pilates classes with my girlfriends and exploring new matcha spots around Fort Worth!
If your life had a soundtrack, name some songs that would be on it?
Hands down these songs would easily be on my Spotify Wrapped:
- “Habitual” by Justin Bieber
- “You’re Gonna Go Far” by Noah Kahan
- “Me Activo” by Peso Pluma