Lesly Martinez

Hello there! 

 

My name is Ms. Martinez, and this is my second year working at BOYCP. I grew up in Back of the Yards; I went to Cesar E. Chavez for elementary school and graduated from Benito Juarez High School in 2015. I attended the University of Iowa and earned my Bachelor's in Social Work (BASW). Go Hawks! Before coming to BOYCP, I volunteered, interned, and worked for TRIO Upward Bound; where I mentored first-generation college students for college readiness and facilitated weekly activities for self-exploration, self-care, and fun!

 

Outside of school, I love to hang out with my dogs, read, try new coffee shops, and cheer on the White Sox. I'm very passionate about social justice, women empowerment, mental health, and self-care. I'm very excited to be back in Chicago and serve the community that raised me. I wholeheartedly believe that it takes a village, and as a first-generation college student and Latinx, it's important to remind our youth that they are not alone. If you ever need someone to talk to, my door is always open! 

 

"Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end." - John Lennon 

"The more you feel your feelings, the easier it gets to understand them." -Mansi