91ÑÇÉ«

Esther MartinezÌý
Educator and Founder, Raíces Ìý
BA ’21, Children, Childhood & YouthÌý

LA&PSÌýalumnaÌýEsther MartinezÌýwas named one of 91ÑÇɫ’s 2026 Top 30 Alumni Under 30, recognized among a distinguished group of young leaders making a meaningful impact around the world. In recognition of her achievement, we connected withÌýEstherÌýto better understand how her experience as a Children, Childhood & YouthÌýgraduate contributed to where she is today. Ìý

1. What career did you dream of pursuing inÌýundergrad, and where did your professional pathÌýactually takeÌýyou after graduation? ÌýÌý
   I always dreamed of becoming a teacher and working with children, yet, during my studies I realized how big the field of education was and I did not have to follow the traditional classroom career. While at 91ÑÇÉ«, my combination of work and leadership experiences gave me the opportunity to work with students at the post-secondary levelÌýand from there a new dream was born. With my love for learning, I returned to 91ÑÇÉ« to complete my graduate studies and specialized in post-secondary education. After graduating I foundedÌýRaíces, an initiative that supports my Latino community by providing youth with resources and opportunities on career exploration, mentorship and more. IÌýwouldn'tÌýsay my path was linear! Ìý
2. In what ways have the network and connections you made during your studies helped you in your career?Ìý
   Making connections wasÌýa very importantÌýfactor as I was navigating my studies and career pathway. It required me to get outside of my comfort zone andÌýparticipateÌýat events to meet new people and work in areas I never thought I would enjoy. I came to understand the importance of having a community, people you look up to and couldÌýaskÌýquestions about their own journeys. Many of these new connections turned into new job opportunities and exploring new areas in my career. Ìý
3. What advice do you have for first year LA&PS students?Ìý
   Enjoy your studies and get involved! I encourage you to get involved in clubsÌýandÌýstudent groups that might relate to an interest or where you can contribute your skills, apply to campus jobs and attend networking events. You never know who you will meet by making new connections - a lifelong friend, a mentor, opening doors to a new job or internship opportunity and more. Ìý

Read the full article to explore all LA&PS Top 30 Under 30 alumni recipients.Ìý