Staff

Angela Fernandez opens in a new window

Angela Fernandez

Executive Director, afernandez@lawyersalliance.org, (212) 219-1800 ext. 231

As Executive Director, Angela Fernandez works with the Board and staff to advance Lawyers Alliance's mission.  She leads Lawyers Alliance’s activities and positioning with nonprofit organizations, law firms, corporate legal departments, policymakers, and the general public.

As an attorney and long-time advocate for New York City’s underserved and immigrant populations, Angela has an abundance of legal, nonprofit, advocacy, and development experience. Prior to joining Lawyers Alliance in 2025, she served as the Executive Director of Safe Passage Project, an immigration legal services nonprofit. While there, Angela significantly expanded the organization's budget, increased services, and streamlined internal processes.

From 2009-2019, Angela served as the Executive Director and Supervising Attorney of the Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights (NMCIR), leading the creation of numerous initiatives across federal, state, and local governments that positively impacted immigrant communities.  Under her leadership, NMCIR increased its capacity to provide immigration-related legal services and became a nationally recognized immigrant rights organization known for its bold policies and practices. 

As the former New York State Commissioner for the Division of Human Rights, her work resulted in a 25 percent increase in monetary awards for New York State residents who had been discriminated against in housing or employment.  Angela also served on the New York City Civilian Complaint Board, where she vociferously advocated for the repeal of New York Civil Rights Law § 50-a, which required concealment of police disciplinary records from the public.

Angela received her J.D. from Columbia University School of Law and a B.A. from Boston University.

Professional and community activities:  West Harlem Development Corporation, Board Member; New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board, Board Member, Mayoral Designee (2016 – 2019);  New York City Charter Revision Commission, Commissioner (2018 – 2019); National Dominican Day Parade, Inc., President/Chair for the Board (2015 – 2017); New York Immigration Coalition, Executive Committee, Board of Trustees (2009 - 2011 and 2012 – 2017); American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member (2008 – 2011)

Pronouns:  she/her

Favorite snack:  Dominican Pastelitos