Candidate for
Council Member; City of Santa Ana; Ward 2

Michele's passion for public service stems from her strong commitment to serving her community. Once labeled an "at-risk youth," Michele is now an influential community leader that continues to give back to our community in order to provide the residents of Santa Ana with a safe haven and the opportunities to succeed.

As one of the city's youngest commissioners, Michele Martinez brings new and positive energy to the City of Santa Ana. As a graduate of both Spurgeon Intermediate and Santa Ana High School, she understands the challenges that many young people face growing up in Santa Ana.

The daughter of a single mother and sister of five siblings, Michele has overcome financial and personal obstacles. She learned the value of a strong work ethic at a very young age. Having to provide for herself and her family at the age of 17, she pursued her education at Santa Ana Community College while working part-time jobs at the Santa Ana Boys and Girls Club and the City of Santa Ana Parks and Recreation Department.

A member and volunteer of the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Ana since 1993, Michele has provided support and guidance to young students. Michele gained national recognition for her community service, by being awarded Orange County's Youth of the Year for serving as a positive young role model and for her personal achievement. She has also gained local accolades for her work on the Project Pride Program, a nationally recognized after-school gang prevention program.

Keeping our neighbors safe is a top priority for Michele. As a graduate of the Police Academy for Citizens Training, Michele understands the police department's operations and the vital role they play in public safety. Growing up in one of the most disadvantaged areas in Santa Ana, she realizes the need for improved police training, additional equipment, neighborhood watch programs and crime prevention measures.

Having earned an Associates Arts degree in Business Management at Santa Ana Community College, Michele has focused her professional development in Santa Ana's thriving business community. As an active member of the National Latina Business Women Association and the Hispanic Business Women Association, she supports women-owned businesses, and advocates for educational programs that will help maximize their businesses.

Michele has focused many of her efforts in helping low-income youth progress onto higher education. Michele spends her free time in building community partnerships to help mentor and sponsor educational programs for students. She currently serves as a Board member for KinderCaminata, a program that exposes and encourages young kindergarteners to pursue a higher education. She also serves as a Board Member for FLAMA, a youth leadership program that provides college outreach, cultural awareness and encourages community service for high school students. In an effort to beautify the city, Michele is a yearly participant of Paint Your Heart Out Santa Ana, a volunteer driven nonprofit organization that helps low income, senior and disabled residents maintain their homes. Michele is also a graduate of the nationally recognized Pew Civic Leadership Program, where she developed her leadership skills including city planning, residential participation, and policy development.

In addition to her extensive community service, Michele serves as one of the youngest human resource directors in Southern California for So Cal Bakeries located in Santa Ana. She oversees the personnel policies and benefits for employees, educating them on their healthcare and retirement options while maintaining a safe work environment.

As a homeowner, and community leader, Michele understands the need for resident and business partnerships. She realizes the critical role they play in education, our neighborhood preservation and the economic development of our great city. For all these reasons, Michele is committed to improving the quality of life, safety and education for the residents of Santa Ana.