Our Founder
Lal Fernando Founder | CEO
Lal Fernando, a trailblazer with roots in the vibrant island of Sri Lanka, has woven a tapestry of service and advocacy that spans continents and cultures. After completing his college education in 1970, Lal embarked on a global journey that would see him traverse the planet four times, immersing himself in the languages and traditions of 36 different countries. His life’s mission, deeply ingrained in every step, is dedicated to nurturing and protecting our world’s most precious assets—children and the environment they inhabit.
In the early stages of his journey, Lal founded the New Era Children’s Fund (NECF), a testament to his commitment to the moral and holistic education of children worldwide. His visionary leadership propelled NECF to spearhead impactful projects globally, including a notable initiative from 2000-2004 that trained over 140,000 children in water safety techniques, significantly reducing pool drownings in Arizona by 14%.
Lal’s passion for fostering unity among diverse religious faiths led him to promote World Religion Day in 1978, a now globally recognized observance that promotes harmony across various religious communities, endorsed by figures including the Dalai Lama. His engagement with United Nations programs throughout the 1980s further exemplified his dedication to global health and environmental sustainability.
Relocating to the United States in 1990, Lal sought to expand his humanitarian efforts, drawing inspiration from luminaries such as Jesus, Mohammed, Abdu’l-Baha, and Martin Luther King Jr. His work through NECF echoes their teachings, focusing on liberating young minds from prejudice and empowering them towards positive change.
Lal’s contributions have not gone unnoticed; his accolades include the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award and recognition as “Business Advocate of the Year” by the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce. His efforts to combat discrimination were honored by the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), alongside numerous other awards for his service to humanity, especially children.
Beyond his professional achievements, Lal’s personal life is grounded in his 32-year marriage to Dheena, with whom he shares two children, Mehdi and Shirin. His legacy also includes significant roles within various organizations dedicated to youth services, multicultural arts, interfaith coalition, and world peace.
Today, as Founder/Chairman of NECF and holding leadership positions in several non-profit organizations focused on peace and understanding among diverse communities, Lal Fernando continues to be a beacon of hope and change. His life’s work exemplifies what it means to be a modern visionary—someone whose altruistic endeavors create ripples of positive change across the globe.
Lal’s passion for fostering unity among diverse religious faiths led him to promote World Religion Day in 1978, a now globally recognized observance that promotes harmony across various religious communities, endorsed by figures including the Dalai Lama. His engagement with United Nations programs throughout the 1980s further exemplified his dedication to global health and environmental sustainability.
Relocating to the United States in 1990, Lal sought to expand his humanitarian efforts, drawing inspiration from luminaries such as Jesus, Mohammed, Abdu’l-Baha, and Martin Luther King Jr. His work through NECF echoes their teachings, focusing on liberating young minds from prejudice and empowering them towards positive change.
Lal’s contributions have not gone unnoticed; his accolades include the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award and recognition as “Business Advocate of the Year” by the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce. His efforts to combat discrimination were honored by the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), alongside numerous other awards for his service to humanity, especially children.
Beyond his professional achievements, Lal’s personal life is grounded in his 32-year marriage to Dheena, with whom he shares two children, Mehdi and Shirin. His legacy also includes significant roles within various organizations dedicated to youth services, multicultural arts, interfaith coalition, and world peace.
Today, as Founder/Chairman of NECF and holding leadership positions in several non-profit organizations focused on peace and understanding among diverse communities, Lal Fernando continues to be a beacon of hope and change. His life’s work exemplifies what it means to be a modern visionary—someone whose altruistic endeavors create ripples of positive change across the globe.