"A Journey of Faith, Family, and the American Dream"

Dariel Fernandez is a community leader committed to serving the residents of Miami-Dade County.

Born in Güines and raised in Madruga, a small town in Havana, Dariel attended the Catholic Church from a young age, where he learned true conservative values and the importance of defending family. Early on, he began supporting his mother financially, developing a strong work ethic. Dariel’s passion for technology led him to pursue further studies after secondary school, graduating from Cuba with an associate degree in electrical technology after four years of study. In 2002, he emigrated to the United States to escape the communist, socialist, and oppressive regime in Cuba. Upon arriving in Miami-Dade County, he fell in love with the country and its endless opportunities to grow and prosper. Dariel worked hard every day, sometimes taking on two or three jobs at a time to provide for his family.

In 2004, Dariel began working at Radio Paz 830AM, the Catholic Christian radio station in South Florida. Soon after, he was given the opportunity to host his own television show on Mega TV, named "Compartiendo Contigo,” which enabled him to connect with issues that the community faces every day.

Dariel's hard work and dedication paved the way for him to become a small business owner when he launched Ponemus Group in 2015. Ponemus is a boutique marketing, consulting, and technology software development firm focused on using the latest technology to help small businesses achieve success.

In Miami-Dade County, Dariel built a beautiful family alongside his wife, Carolina. Together, they have been blessed with two daughters, Elizabeth and Anastasia, who have brought endless joy and fulfillment to their lives. Dariel and Carolina are devoted parents, sharing strong values and a commitment to raising their daughters with love, respect, and dedication, always striving to build a strong foundation for their family's future in the community they call home. Dariel believes that the real American dream is not about buying a house or a car but about the freedom one has in the United States of America.

His gratitude towards the country and community has led Dariel to volunteer for various charitable and professional organizations. This involvement has provided him the opportunity to help many who, like him, work hard to achieve the American dream and strive for a better tomorrow.

Currently, Dariel serves as a Board Member for the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, La Salle Educational Center, and the Monseñor Felipe Bello Foundation. He is also the President of the International Movement “Somos Mas” and previously served as a member of the Cryptocurrency Task Force of Miami-Dade County. Dariel also serves as a Committeemen on the Republican Party of Miami-Dade County as Executive Committeeman.

Additionally, he proudly serves as a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, dedicating his time to promoting boating safety, supporting search and rescue missions, and enhancing the security of our waterways. Through his service, he demonstrates his unwavering commitment to this beautiful country, the United States of America, and its values of safety, community, and freedom.

In 2022, Dariel was recognized as "Man of the Year" by the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which is the most prestigious award from this business organization.

Dariel served on the Miami-Dade County Community Council as a Board Member for Number 10. Community Councils play a crucial role in making zoning and land use decisions, providing a more accessible platform for community engagement. Additionally, they act as advisory liaisons between their communities and the Board of County Commissioners, as well as County staff, conveying relevant information and recommendations on various concerns within the council area. Furthermore, Community Councils offer recommendations to the County Commission on capital, programming, and operational priorities for essential municipal services such as police, parks, fire, and roadway maintenance within their respective areas. They also address other concerns and needs expressed by local residents. Each council represents one of ten geographic areas in unincorporated Miami-Dade County.

On November 5, 2024, Dariel Fernandez was elected as the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, becoming the first Cuban-American to hold this position, which became an elected office again after 67 years. His election reflects the opportunities offered by this great country, the United States of America, which opened its doors to him and his family. With deep gratitude for the freedoms and possibilities this nation provides, Dariel is committed to modernizing the Office of the Tax Collector, reducing bureaucracy, and improving services. Guided by his mission of “Putting people first by delivering exceptional service with accountability, innovation, and integrity”, Dariel sees his work as a way to give back to the community and the country that has given so much to him.

Above all, Dariel recognizes the importance of God in our lives, acknowledging that faith is the foundation of strength, gratitude, and purpose. He believes that trusting in God’s guidance is essential to serving others with humility and love, and he remains committed to living and working in alignment with these values.

Dariel and his wife, Carolina, are raising their two beautiful girls in Miami-Dade County. Serving the community is central to both Dariel and Carolina, and it is at the heart of all they do as a family. They have had the privilege of meeting many wonderful people who also have dreams of a better future for themselves and their children. Dariel wholeheartedly believes that nothing is impossible when the community comes together and works hard for a brighter future.