Get to know Gard’s summer intern, Keyry Hernandez, on a surface level, and you’ll learn she’s a talented writer who studied journalism and Latinx studies at the University of Oregon.
But go a little deeper, and you’ll also find she loves Sonic Youth, deejaying, singing karaoke and making mixtapes. She’s also a former rugby player.
“It is a high-contact sport,” she says,” but I never felt scared, and I believe that’s because kindness and sportsmanship are like law on the pitch.”
A Portlander who joined Gard as a public relations and marketing intern through The Script in July, Keyry will be with us into September.
How did you get interested in journalism?
It was a late Friday night, and I was scrolling through the internet trying to find new music. I was 16 and angsty, so this was a daily routine. I came across a playlist posted on an online magazine called Messy Heads. It has been discontinued, but I’ll never forget it. It showed me that writing can make people feel deeply understood, represented and simply excited for life. Thanks to this magazine, I also discovered bands like Sonic Youth. My mind was blown . . . and alternative rock has been one of my favorite genres since.
Why were you interested in The Script internship program?
I like how committed the program is to building a more diverse and equitable Portland. As a 2024 grad, I was looking for opportunities to pursue professional development when I came upon The Script. I feel lucky to have found a place that supports and cherishes people who look like me in the workforce. My favorite part of the program is the way that interns are encouraged to stay true to who they are in professional work settings. That type of authenticity is something I always strive for because when I see others do it, I feel safe and inspired.
What appealed to you about working for Gard?
I knew that Gard was the right choice for me right away. After an hour of laughter, inspiration and passion, I realized I’ve never had so much fun during an interview. I predicted that I would not only love working for Gard, but that I would also love to be around my co-workers. I was right!
What do you hope to learn during your time with Gard?
I want to learn more about the public relations and marketing perspectives of communications. So far in my career, I have mainly worked as a writer, which has been a very valuable experience. At the same time, I’m interested in knowing my way around different settings so that I can be reliable and proficient in the work that I do. I’ve only been here a few weeks, but I already feel like I’m working toward that mission by participating in anything from press releases to pitching research and video shoots. I also look forward to getting to know my coworkers throughout this summer and finding out what drives them in life.
What do you like to do when you’re not working at Gard?
I love music. Dancing my heart out at 80s night, singing karaoke, making mixtapes and deejaying are some of my favorite pastimes. I also enjoy reading. Currently, I’m reading “1Q84” by Haruki Murakami, and one of my favorite books ever is “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Diaz. Above all, I love interacting with others, whether it’s family, friends or strangers on the street. Everyone has a story to tell and I’m all ears.
What would you say is something unique about you?
Although I stand at an even five feet, I played rugby for four years and it was awesome. I mean it when I say no one is kinder than two teams who just finished tackling each other into the mud. The rugby community I made is nothing short of magical.
