Meet Cynthia Martinez
Cynthia Martinez is a Mexican-American, born into a working-class family in Holland, Michigan. She is a proud alumna of the West Ottawa school system, having attended its schools from Kindergarten through high school graduation. Cynthia graduated from Western Michigan University's College of Aviation and, driven by a passion for storytelling, went on to pursue a Master’s degree at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, which she completed in 2012. Her professional journey includes impactful roles at Univision News in Miami, and she is currently dedicated to directing and producing films and media that support education and youth.
In the summer of 2020, Cynthia returned to Michigan, where she observed the growing educational divide exacerbated by the global pandemic. This motivated her to produce her first feature documentary, First Voice Generation, which explores the challenges of the education crisis by following three Mexican-American students from Holland who aspire to become the first in their families to attend college. The film raises awareness about the experiences of first-generation college students, promotes educational equity, and supports scholarship funding for students in Michigan.
In 2023, First Voice Generation was screened fifteen times nationwide at film festivals, colleges, and universities, receiving acclaim and recognition. Cynthia's talent as a director was further highlighted when she was awarded Best Director at the Mexican Television and Film Festival in Los Angeles, California.
Beyond her filmmaking endeavors, Cynthia is a passionate advocate for education. She serves as a board member for ALSAME, an organization dedicated to advancing Latino students in Michigan's educational system, and conducts workshops on scholarship essay writing. Additionally, she is a board member for Hope College TRIO Upward Bound and actively engages as a keynote speaker, writer, and mentor for numerous Latino students in the Michigan community.
Outside of her professional commitments, Cynthia is an avid marathon runner and enjoys her roles as a wife and mother of two children.
