Claudia Fernandes

Degree(s): MA ’93

Whereabouts: Brazil

What do you do?

I lead my consulting firm, Radar, and am a business partner and co-founder of lÉIA, a Generative AI communications training platform bringing U.S.-licensed innovation to the Brazilian market.

How did you get your job?

After many years in the corporate world I have decided to move on in new direction.

What is the best professional lesson you learned at the J-School?

As a foreign exchange student, I learned that diversity is not just enriching — it is essential. Especially in communications, where different voices shape understanding.

What advice do you have for current students?

Listen with openness. Embrace new technologies with courage. Yet never abandon books — knowledge is essential to critical thought and a good reading can take you to better places.

What is your favorite J-school memory?

During the PR class we had the idea of producing an event about MTV´s Rock the VOTE. The partnership began in 1990 with one mission: to politically engage young people.

Madonna, R.E.M., Bonnie Raitt, and iconic VJs joined the movement, using music and pop culture to drive voter registration. We were able to bring to campus an MTV VJ (unfortunately I do not recall her name) but it was amazing to hear the behind the scenes of such an important cultural/political movement led by a communication channel.

In my final semester, the Washington Program became a defining experience. I interned at the American Association of Washington Correspondents, engaged with professionals at the National Press Club, and received press credentials for the U.S. Congress — unique experiences that deeply shaped my perspective on journalism and public relations.

Additional comments

I would love to connect with J-School and share my world experience with the students