Gabriela Martinez

Hometown: Newark, New Jersey
School: University of Southern California
Major: International Relations
Placement: The Office of Rep. Rob Menendez

Gabriela Martinez (she/her/ella) was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey to Salvadoran and Nicaraguan parents. Growing up as the daughter of immigrants in a sanctuary-city with a diverse range of folks from Latin America, she began to think about the possibilities of uniting the Latine community. Upon participating in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in high school, she decided to pursue her undergraduate degree in International Relations at the University of Southern California.

Beyond her International Relations major, Gabriela is pursuing minors in Law and Migration Studies and Luso-Brazilian studies. She has enhanced her academics through study abroad in Oaxaca, México and São Paulo, Brazil. It has always been her goal to understand the complexities of the world and overseas studies has allowed her to witness that first-hand. 

Gabriela’s community engagement has carried through her time at USC as well. She is a leader and an active member in Hermanas Unidas de USC and Improving Dreams, Education, Access, and Success (IDEAS). These organizations have become fundamental in providing her with a community of empowering Latina students and student advocates for undocumented folks. The intersections of Gabriela’s academics and personal experiences have led to the development of strong interest in public advocacy and social Justice for marginalized communities around the world. 

As a CHCI Intern, she hopes to gain further insight on the development of public policy for a more just society. Gabriela looks forward to further developing her communication and leadership skills during this internship period.