Elida J. Martinez has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Currently, she serves as the Office Manager at Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA), formerly Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center. Elida has contributed to STESA’s efforts to end sexual violence through her various roles at STESA including serving STESA’s 24-hour hotline as an advocate and volunteer. As a volunteer, Elida demonstrated to be responsible, reliable, and a team-player and she later joined STESA’s staff as a receptionist and hotline assistant.

Elida is a bilingual, Guatemalan-American and woman of color who emigrated to the US seeking to accomplish her career and educational goals. Elida understands the process of assimilation and acculturation, and has experience working with diverse populations. Elida strives to advance her career and become a professional and leader to make an impact in the underserved communities.

In 2020, Elida completed a certificate in Human Resources Management from the Professional and Continuing Education Extension program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Through this certificate, Elida attained knowledge regarding legal aspects of employment and best employment practices. Through the Leadership, Education and Advancement for Professionals (LEAP), Elida joins a group of inspiring women of color working together to enhance their leadership and management skills.