In conjunction with Women of Color magazine, the Women of Color STEM DTX Conference has hosted a multicultural event annually since 1995. The conference has been the premier forum of choice for recognizing the significant contributions of women in the STEM fields.
As the WOC STEM community gears up for the upcoming conference (Oct-3-5), WOC Online is celebrating all 2024 WOC STEM Award winners and the trailblazing Latinas among them for National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15).
Melissa Martinez, a WOC STEM community service award winner, grew up near Tucson, AZ, in an area with low-income, minority families. Her parents worked hard to provide for Martinez and her sister.
Their dad was a self-employed painter until he took a job with Pima County. Later, he retired from the City of Tucson in 2012.
Martinez's mom stayed home but later took a job as an aide at her daughter's elementary school.
As a child, Martinez would accompany her dad to the University of Arizona, where he worked on redecorating rooms. This inspired Martinez to attend university.
During a family day event, Martinez saw where her grandmother used to work at an aviation company. This inspired her to pursue a career in the same industry
Melissa started her career in accounting in 2000 and later became the treasurer of the Hispanic employee resource group in her office
As treasurer of the association, she promoted diversity, community outreach, and scholarships for the University of Arizona.
Martinez volunteered for 20 years, representing her employer in various company efforts and community events.
She was involved in organizing and implementing campaigns, managing the budget, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, and promoting career advancement.
Martinez also supported various community initiatives such as scholarship fundraisers, school projects, and STEM programs.
She was crucial in promoting diversity and encouraging youth to pursue STEM careers. Additionally, the employee association awarded scholarships to students at the University of Arizona each year through fundraising activities.
