Erica Martinez, PhD, MSW

Dr. Erica Martinez is a first-generation college student who has earned a PhD of Social Work, Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University. She has worked in the non-profit world for 24 years, most recently she has worked as a school social worker and therapist. She has experience working in the micro, mezzo and macro practices areas of social work as a program director, administrator, community engagement director, as a school social worker and as a therapist. She has worked with individuals and families from many populations, to include children with autism, pregnant and parenting teens, families and individuals experiencing homelessness, at-promise youth and at-promise families. Dr. Martinez is a qualitative researcher at heart and a quantitative researcher by experience. Her research interests include salary negotiation, assertiveness, empowerment practices for Latinas, advancements and insights for Latina professionals. Dr. Martinez currently serves as the co-chair for the Latina Leadership Institute Class 9. She is a mom to three amazing boys that she and her husband explore the world with.