PROFILE

Born and raised in Denver, Martinez is the youngest of three siblings. His father, a pharmacist, and former University of Colorado at Boulder alum, and his mother ran a successful business for decades. His oldest sister is a CPA and middle sister Yolanda has a degree in finance. Martinez attended public schools including his freshman year at Westminster High School, later transferring to Holy Family Catholic School. Martinez graduated in 1998 from Holy Family High School. He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder his freshman year, then transferred to the University of Colorado Denver. Martinez received the Dean’s List Scholar honor receiving ongoing scholarships toward his education. He graduated magna cum laude in 2002 with dual degrees in political science and psychology. From 2002-2003 Martinez helped run a Denver City Council campaign for Tony Robinson. Martinez served as voter outreach coordinator of that campaign. In 2003 Martinez applied to Harvard Law School, was accepted and begin studies in 2004. He participated in a leadership program called the Law of the European Union in London at the University of London Queen Mary. During law school in 2005 Martinez also served as a legislative intern for then U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar. Martinez received his Juris Doctor in 2007 and returned to Denver and joined the firm of Kutak Rock LLP from August 2007-May 2009. Martinez later joined the law firm of Peck, Shaffer & Williams LLP. Martinez is a strong supporter of education and is the president of the young professionals board for the Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF), which fundraises for scholarships all year long. Martinez is also a member of the Ballpark Neighborhood Association, a community organization who oversees and helps shape neighborhood growth within the Coors Field neighborhood. Martinez is single, enjoys remodeling homes, home improvement and trying out new restaurants.

ABOUT PECK SHAFFER & WILLIAMS

Led by Mary Groves, the law firm is Ohio-based with offices in downtown Denver, Atlanta, Chicago and Covington, Ky. With a team of seven attorneys, the local Denver firm specializes in municipal finance for all levels of local government.

HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

Martinez experienced the best of both the public and private schools and gained the experience of the “social skills and interaction public schools offered with the combination of challenging academics that Holy Family dictated.” He recalls AP classes at Holy Family as an ultimate academic challenge. He also recalls a special role model/mentor in Spanish teacher, Mr. Giron.

MESSAGE TO YOUTH

“If you mix confidence, persistence and hard work any dream can be achieved. Just don’t be afraid to dream the biggest of dreams.”

LAST WORD

“At the end of the day you are always the little kid your family nurtured. No matter where life takes you and what you accomplish, be sure to always keep them close because they loved you from the start.”