Tony Hernandez Pumarejo shared their story and his experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Tony, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
To surrender my life to the Lord and to do his will. To not be afraid of who I truly am.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tony Hernandez Pumarejo, and I’m your purpose-driven life coach. I was born and raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico and today I reside in Sanford, Florida. I’m also a motivational speaker, consultant, writer, and advocate for families impacted by autism, disabilities and mental health.
As a life coach, I offer personalized services to support human beings in reaching their God given potential. Whether they are srtiving to achieve specific goals, overcome personal challenges, or create a more meaningful life, I provide the tools, support, and guidance needed to move forward with clarity and confidence.
In regards to my personal life, I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 3 (later at age 7 was rediagnosed with Asperger Syndrome). Being on the autism spectrum brought many challenges — I was nonverbal until age 4, placed in special education, delayed in school for a year, and struggled with social communication, severe anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and depression.
But through it all, I’ve found ways to overcome those challenges. Formal therapies like speech and occupational therapy played a role, but honestly, my greatest lessons came from life itself — the school of hard knocks. I went on to graduate from Seminole State College with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Information Management, earning Magna Cum Laude honors with a 3.7 GPA. In 2018, I published my book An Autism Unscripted Life, which was later translated into Spanish in 2019 as “Una Vida Autista Sin Libreto”. I also completed my life coaching certification through The International School of Coaching in 2024.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of appearing on media outlets such as CNN en Español, Univision, Telemundo, and Mega TV. I also hosted two of my own podcasts: My Time with Tony Hernández Pumarejo and Hablemos Autismo.
In my spare time, I profess my faith by going to mass and daily prayer. Not a hobby, but fulfilling my commitment to the Lord. I also like to travel, exercise, read, volunteer in the community, sometimes play video games, watch classical movies and much more.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
God. When I didn’t believe in myself, he lifted me up. When I felt that the World was against me, he was there to hold me. When I was going through clinical depression for more than 10 years and I was about to end my life, he saved me. He is the one that brought me to this World for fulfill his purpose in my life. He gave me the love of my wonderful parents that through the challenges, they were able to raise me right and being there for me as I was growing up. Being diagnosed with a disability didn’t let that determine what I can and cannot do in my life.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be courageous and stand up for what you believe. Be authentic.God is with you.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to doing God’s will in my life. Right now, my focus is to serve and help people as their purpose-driven life coach. Each human being has a purpose, and I’m using my personal and professional life experiences to help others as a coach.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Tony was a life coach, motivational speaker, and best-selling book author. He made a positive and long-lasting difference in the lives of millions of living beings in this World. But he was more than his work.
Antonio Gabriel Hernandez Pumarejo (which is my full name) was a human being who lived God’s purpose. Being a devout catholic, he was a loving and caring son, husband, father, sibling, friend, and co-worker. He believed that every living thing has a purpose in this World. Through his work for families and individuals impacted by autism, special needs, mental health, and other life challenges, Tony was a beacon of light and hope for these families in learning and understanding that there is hope for a better future. He took this experience to help millions of living beings go beyond the limitations and achieve their purpose in life as a purpose driven life coach. Also, Tony cared for other living beings like pets and animals, volunteering his time to help them by providing food, healthcare, and shelter.
He will continue to live on in the hearts of the living beings whose lives he made a positive and long-lasting difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tonyhernandezpumarejo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyhernandezpumarejotv/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyhp/
- Twitter: https://x.com/tonyhpuma
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyhernandezpumarejo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyhernandezpumarejo
