A figure in both the realms of dance and athleticism, she shifted from her roots as an Indian classical dancer to an Olympian.

She holds tertiary degrees in psychology, sport, and exercise, coupled with a Bachelor's in Performing Arts.

Fernandes remains the first woman in the flyweight division to represent New Zealand in Boxing at any Olympic Games.

[2] Beyond sports, Fernandes has successfully led and published peer-reviewed journal articles and industry reports, delving into the realms of participation in sports and physical activities, as well as contributing significantly to the discourse on public health.

[3] A well-established speaker and educator in the domains of sport, health, and fitness, Fernandes continues to advocate for lasting imprints on the worlds of sports, academia, and public health discourse.