LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Nicole Martinez was nominated by a family member, Gloria Martinez. 

"Ms. Martinez is a LifeChanger in education due to her dedication, creativity, and genuine care for the students, families, and school community she works with. For over 15 years, I have observed Ms. Martinez exhibit this dedication through the personal time, financial contributions, and relentless commitment she makes to be a resource for those she works for and with," said the nominator.

Despite any new circumstances or barriers that have presented themselves, Ms. Martinez has relentlessly worked to make the classroom and school experience memorable, functional, and positive wherever she has worked, for all the students she has had the privilege of working with. For students and the school site, she spends hours during off-school time, including nights, weekends, and breaks, to search and apply for educational grants and funding resources. She does this to ensure that students in her grade level and high-need school sites, which she has served, have equal access to field trips, buses, guest speakers, and on-site assemblies that students in other schools with more resources expect and count on.

These are valuable enrichment opportunities that might not have otherwise occurred. Ms. Martinez has spent thousands of dollars of her own money over the years filling in any funding gaps. She works to ensure that students have quality school supplies, books, and adequate basic clothing, such as socks and shoes, and to provide them with extra food and snacks to meet their most basic needs before any teaching or learning even takes place.

Ms. Martinez is also a fierce advocate for the students and families she serves. She follows up with parents and community resources to ensure students have access to proper care. For example, when students fail dental or vision screenings and families say they cannot afford care, Ms. Martinez makes community connections to ensure students are not left without.

She has also displayed creativity as an educator by implementing many after-school programs at her school sites over the years. These include organizing an after-school dance club, a mural arts club, a running club, and a photography club, while also making herself available for after-school academic tutoring and homework help. These programs have been essential places where students receive extra attention, develop closer friendships, receive academic learning support, and, most importantly, let them know that the school and its staff care for and welcome them beyond the classroom. These opportunities foster community, well-rounded students, and more positive school environments.

"Currently, I am nominating Ms. Martinez because I know she is looking for resources this 2025-2026 school year to fund $5000 to buy proper desks for her first and second grade class. Ms. Martinez is on a mission to find a solution to this issue. That is the kind of LifeChanger she is. She genuinely cares and knows that new desks will create a better classroom experience, not just for this year's students, but for many years to come. I am excited to nominate Ms. Martinez for the LifeChanger of the Year award, not because she seeks recognition for her work, but because this award can have a significant impact on the students, families, and school community she serves," said the nominator.