Biography

Name: Jose Manuel Fernandez (Rios)

Background: Puerto Rican and Cuban

Languages: English, Spanish, and some French

Short Bio

I was born in Miami, Florida but have lived in New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia. I have one sister, Vanessa, who is studying to be a clinical councilor at Florida International University. I graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA and MA in economics. While at USF, I covered my living expenses by operating a small dance studio in the Tampa Bay Area called “Salsa Con Sabor.” I enjoyed performing in numerous parades and nightclubs, but the income flow left much to be desired. Therefore, I moved to Charlottesville to attend graduate school at the University of Virginia. I married my wife, Luz, on December 27, 2003. My wife is a Family Medicine Physician and our one son was born on October 1st, 2005.  We are expecting another addition to our family at the end of the year.