Author: Fernanda Durand

The Authenticity Imperative: Lessons from Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance

February 20, 2026 1 Comment

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance illustrates the power of authenticity. In health research and advocacy, honoring language, culture, and community values leads to stronger trust, better data, and improved outcomes. Studies on culturally tailored diabetes programs confirm this impact. Communities must be partners, not subjects. Funders must support inclusive, community-driven research to sustain meaningful progress.

Fernanda Durand

Fernanda Durand is the Chief Marketing Consultant for the National Hispanic Health Research Institute (NHHRI), where she leads national strategy for communications, brand, partnerships, and visibility in support of community-powered research. In this role, she oversees storytelling, digital engagement, media relations, and partner communications, helping translate complex research and data into clear, compelling narratives that center community voice and impact.

With more than 15 years of experience in journalism, public relations, and nonprofit communications, Fernanda has held senior leadership roles at national organizations including the National Hispanic Medical Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and mission-driven communications firms serving health, policy, and social justice causes. Her work sits at the intersection of research, equity, and public engagement, with a focus on making systems more accountable to the communities they aim to serve.