Roberto received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Anthropology and his Master of Arts in African Diaspora Studies with an emphasis on teaching the African Diaspora from Florida International University. From 2000 to 2008, he served in the United States Army Reserve as a Civil Affairs specialist and did two tours of duty in the Horn of Africa. In 2011, Mr. Fernandez was appointed to the Broward County Historical Commission, serving in various positions, including a chair, until 2014.