Martinez headshot

Emerson Fellow

Christina Martinez

18th Class, 2011-2012

Originally from Evanston, Illinois, Christina graduated from Tufts University in 2010 with a double major in political science and community health.  At Tufts, Christina served as a leader in her sorority, volunteered with National Student Partnerships, and interned at a local high school. She also participated in service projects addressing homelessness and childhood health issues. Most recently, Christina has worked in youth development at the YMCA, where she served as the director of a resident summer camp and helped form a leadership group for students.

Field placement: Arizona Food Bank Network

Phoenix, Arizona

Christina worked to strengthen the relationship between Arizona food banks and the clients they serve. She worked to reduce barriers that Hispanic/Latino residents in Maricopa County face when accessing emergency food services.  She compiled a tool kit that included research, best practices, input from organizations and community leaders, training materials, marketing collateral, and recommendations to address barriers to accessing emergency food services.

Policy placement: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Washington, D.C.

Christina worked to connect faith-based and community groups to federal nutrition programs in order to decrease hunger in Latino communities. Her efforts were designed to advance the goals of the First Lady's initiative, Let's Move! Faith and Communities to reduce childhood obesity levels.  Christina helped build partnerships with community organizations and supported existing relationships by sharing best practices and partner success stories via blogs, newsletters, and a seven part webinar series.

Publications