Biographical Information

Martinez was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her mother was a dance instructor who taught flamenco and ran a dance studio in their home. Martinez's grandmother, a journalist and active member of a political party, also lived with the family. Martinez lists "music and political discussions" as two influential aspects of her youth. Martinez graduated Cum Laude from the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras in 1979 with a B.A. in Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literature, and Linguistics.

Shortly after, Martinez came to the United States for graduate school. She an MS in Counseling and Guidance (1981) and a PhD in Counseling Psychology (1996) from the University of Madison-Wisconsin. Before graduating with her doctorate, Martinez served as a psychology intern for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Counseling and Consultation Services. After completing her education, Martinez came to Purdue and served as an Assistant Dean of Students for nine years. During that time, she organized and oversaw the special support services for Purdue's minority students.

After leaving Purdue, Martinez became a professional counselor for the Madison College Counseling and Conflict Managing Services. She has also been involved with the Madison College Intercultural Council and acts as an advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and for Latino Pride. In 2004, Martinez was nominated for and won the Madison College Outstanding Employee of the year award.