by Rachel Stevens | February 20, 2026
Getting to Know Joe Hernandez: Building Trust, Partnerships, and Pathways at Michigan Language Assessment
With nearly two decades of experience in international education and skilled migration, Joe Hernandez brings a deeply personal understanding of global mobility and a practical, people-first mindset to his new role as assistant director of Asia Pacific at Michigan Language Assessment.
Originally born in the Philippines, Hernandez emigrated with his family to Perth, Western Australia in 1985. That experience of adapting to a new country helped shape his career path and ultimately led him into the skilled migration sector in Western Australia. Since then, he has spent 19 years working across the international education and migration landscape, supporting individuals and organizations navigating complex global journeys.
“Perhaps it was that experience of being part of a migrant family in a new country that drew me to this work,” Hernandez said. “Ever since, I’ve been working in the international sector and playing a small part in people’s very big journeys.”
A focus on learning, then building
In his new role, Hernandez’s first priority is listening and learning. He wants to understand where the organization’s true challenges and opportunities lie before working to strengthen capabilities for both short- and long-term goals.
That approach also shapes how he views partnerships. Drawing on experience across multiple organizations in the sector, Hernandez emphasized trust, clarity, and ease of engagement as key drivers of long-term success.
“Ultimately, we want to be a partner that our B2B and B2C customers trust and find easy to transact with,” Hernandez said. “The goal is to bring the best bits from past experience—process, systems, and engagement—into Michigan Language Assessment.”
Perspective from a global career
Having worked in regional and global roles, Hernandez understands the realities of international collaboration across time zones, cultures, and expectations. One lesson he believes everyone entering the field should learn early is the importance of balance.
“When you’re working across regions or globally, you end up thinking and working at all sorts of weird and wonderful hours,” Hernandez said. “Be kind to yourself and learn to switch off. Giving your mind and body space is essential.”
That perspective also informs his view of strong workplace culture. For Hernandez, thriving teams are built on honesty, respect, and the willingness to have difficult conversations when needed.
“We won’t all agree on everything,” Hernandez said. “But the ability to have open, respectful conversations is critical if you want to move toward shared goals.”
Looking ahead
Hernandez is enthusiastic about the direction international education is heading and the role Michigan Language Assessment plays within it—particularly as institutions, regulators, and learners increasingly value trusted partnerships and flexible, transparent systems.
Outside of work, Hernandez’s love of travel reflects his global outlook. One place he hopes to return to is Celalba, a small town near the border of Tuscany and Umbria.
“Wonderful wine, food, and people,” Hernandez said. “It’s a special place.”
As Hernandez settles into his role, his blend of lived experience, strategic thinking, and relationship-driven leadership positions him to make a meaningful impact both within the organization and across the international education community.