Magui Martinez

youth Programs Assistant

What does a typical work week look like for you?

As a Youth Programs Assistant, I support with the programming of our different initiatives: Little Manila After School Program (LMASP), Youth Advocates Program, Youth Organizers Program, and Youth Trips. While our programs are in session, I support in the set up of our space and maintain communications between our team and our youth.I also assist with running and creating content for our LMASP Instagram account. Some of my behind the scenes responsibilities include assisting with the coordinating trips and program logistics.

How’d you get to LMR?

My first introduction to Little Manila Rising was in my third year of college (2022) through my Stockton Scholars mentor, Amy Portello Nelson. At the time, Amy was working at LMR as the Health Equity Programs Director. Through her I learned about the Youth Advocates Program. I decided to apply to be an Immigrants Rights and Protection Youth Advocate and I was accepted into the program.

I immigrated to the United States with my family at the age of nine. Immigrating to a completely different country without knowing the language, without resources and support, and small financial means is difficult. As an immigrant, I was passionate about becoming involved in community work to advocate for and uplift community members with similar experiences to mine. Being part of the Youth Advocates programs introduced me to community work and advocacy, and strengthened my passion for it. Being part of the YA program gave me the tools, knowledge, and language to continue pursuing community work.

While being a Youth Advocate, I was also experiencing being a first-generation college student. Both of these experiences shaped my passion to pursue community work to uplift and support young people from underrepresented background in higher education. I wish I had being exposed to programs such as the YA program and organizations like LMR at a younger age. I am passionate about working with youth because I believe in the power they hold to change their communities and the world.

As a YA alumni, having the opportunity to come back as staff and support a new cohort of the YA program is a beautiful full circle moment for me.

What do you like to do when you're not at LMR?

In my free time, I enjoy reading and watching romcoms (and re-watching my favorite ones), as well as journaling and scrapbooking. I also love to dance and sing karaoke with friends. Something I look forward to doing in the upcoming months is hiking and exploring nature in California.

What does Stockton mean to you?

Over the years I have developed a sense of pride around growing up in Stockton. I've come to call Stockton home. Here is where the people I love reside and where I feel a sense of belonging. I think there's a sense of community and comradery among Stocktonians that's unique to us. I have grown to appreciate this city and all its history, culture and people. There's negative stereotypes and notions about Stockton and I have heard many of them from people in different places. Though I think this misconception is unfortunate, I am happy that I am one of the people that understands what makes my community special.

I am both passionate about community work and advocacy, as well as writing and storytelling. I am looking forwards to a future in where I am able to combine both of my passions and continue my social justice journey.