Melissa Martinez, (forward left), is pictured with STEM students at a recent conference held by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary October 30-November 3, 2024 in Anaheim, California.

During the 29th annual Women of Color STEM Conference in October 2024, Melissa was honored with a community service award for her exceptional service and innovative use of technology for the greater good.

Currently managing digital learning and integration at RTX Corporate, Melissa has dedicated over 20 years to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Her journey began as the treasurer for the Raytheon Hispanic Employee Association, where she raised awareness across various employee resource groups.

Melissa has represented Raytheon at significant events, including the Corporate Diversity Forum and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest Hispanic and Latin-American civil rights organization in the United States.

Her fundraising efforts have supported vital causes such as the University of Arizona Hispanic Alumni Scholarships Foundation and local school projects.

Her collaboration with the Sunnyside School District and the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program at Pueblo High School reflects her commitment to encouraging young people to pursue STEM careers and gain access to university scholarships.

Growing up near Tucson, AZ, in an area with low-income minority families, Melissa was inspired by her parents' hard work. Her father was a self-employed painter before taking a job with Pima County, from which he retired in 2012.

Melissa's mother initially stayed home but later worked as an aide at her daughter's elementary school.

As a child, Melissa would accompany her father to the University of Arizona, where he redecorated rooms, sparking her desire to attend university. During a family event, she discovered where her grandmother had worked at an aviation company, further motivating her to pursue a career in that industry.

Melissa began her career in accounting in 2000 and later became the treasurer of her office's Hispanic employee resource group. In this role, she promoted diversity, community outreach, and scholarships for the University of Arizona.

For 20 years, she volunteered to represent her employer in various company initiatives and community events, organizing campaigns, managing budgets, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, and promoting career advancement.

Additionally, the employee association awarded scholarships to University of Arizona students each year through fundraising activities.

In her acceptance speech at the 2024 Women of Color STEM Awards gala (2:01:18 mark), Melissa emphasized the importance of tutoring students, stating, "Some might think that tutoring a student in Algebra is just math. But to a student, it is someone making time to listen, to help, and to care. They start to connect Algebra and STEM with a place where they feel at ease and empowered, gaining confidence and a spark of renewed interest."

The Women of Color STEM Awards will host its for their 30th anniversary in 2025, celebrating three decades of groundbreaking achievements in scientific and technical fields.

The awards recognize categories such as career achievement, professional achievement, community service, corporate responsibility, diversity leadership, educational leadership, entrepreneurial leadership, fintech leadership, new media/information technology leadership, outstanding technical contributions, and technical innovation, along with discretionary awards, including the president's award and special recognition.

Women of Color magazine annually highlights innovation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at its Women of Color STEM Awards.