Vailma Roca Fernandez’s journey to earning her master’s degree at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications speaks to perseverance, adaptability and lifelong learning. As an experienced international law professional and journalist, she has navigated multiple career pivots, moving from practicing law in the Dominican Republic and working in international business in Miami to becoming a writer and the public information officer in Gainesville.
Now, as a graduate student in UFCJC’s online digital journalism and multimedia storytelling program, she is combining her legal background with her passion for investigative journalism.
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Roca Fernandez first earned a law degree in 2002. She then spent years applying her legal expertise in international business, working with companies in the U.S. and Europe. In 2018, she moved to Gainesville seeking a smaller, family-oriented community where she could raise her daughter, who has autism.
Shortly after, she joined Alachua County Public Schools, where she now serves as an Interpreter-Specialist/Public Information for LEP (limited English proficiency) Communities. One of Roca Fernandez’s key responsibilities is managing Language Line, a program that provides interpretation services in over 200 languages for families with limited English proficiency. Through this service, she ensures that students and parents receive vital information in their native languages, fostering inclusivity in the school district. “Language should never be a barrier to education,” she says. “Every family deserves to feel heard and understood, no matter where they come from.”
It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that she decided to pursue a second bachelor’s degree, graduating in 2023. Just months later, she enrolled in UF’s master’s program, drawn to the flexibility and accessibility of online learning.
Roca Fernandez’s passion for journalism is deeply rooted in her family history. Her mother, Vailma Fernandez, is a freelance writer, and her late aunt was a highly respected journalist in the Dominican Republic, whose work is featured in the country’s history books. Inspired by this legacy, Roca Fernandez has worked as a freelance journalist for Dominican newspapers while balancing her professional and academic commitments. She is particularly drawn to investigative journalism, with a strong interest in exposing systemic issues, uncovering social injustices, and challenging corruption — work she hopes to pursue full-time after completing her degree.
One of the key aspects of her UF experience has been the structure and organization of the online program, which she credits with helping her stay focused despite the challenges of managing a full-time job, parenting, and her ADHD. She finds that online learning allows her to engage deeply with course material, think critically and work independently while still fostering a sense of connection through virtual discussions and faculty interactions. She regularly participates in UF’s online events and utilizes campus resources like the library and bookstore, further strengthening her bond with the university community.
“Since I have ADHD, so I need a lot of structure to not feel lost. The online program is very organized. Everything is laid out for you. The professors get right to the point and push you to be more of a critical thinker, which sometimes is difficult if there are a lot of distracting voices. You are able to think clearly,” says Roca Fernandez. “The online program is definitely better for someone like me who needs to focus.”
Looking ahead, Roca Fernandez envisions a future in investigative journalism, where she can leverage her legal and journalistic expertise to bring meaningful stories to light. She is also interested in launching her own website and podcast, using these platforms to explore untold narratives and connect with a broader audience. She firmly believes that education is a lifelong pursuit and is already considering pursuing a PhD.
Through her journey, Roca Fernandez hopes to inspire others — particularly nontraditional students — by demonstrating that it is never too late to follow one’s passions. “I have a full-time job, I have ADHD, my daughter has autism, and I am a single mom and I can do it,” she says. “Challenges will always be there. You just have to decide to go for it.”
