Wildcat Alumni Spotlight:

Krystal Martinez

Krystal Martinez, class of 2003, works for the NYC Administration for Children Services (ACS) as a Child Protective Specialist investigating the most critical reports of child abuse and maltreatment. Krystal’s unit specifically investigates cases reporting sexual and physical abuse, in addition to child fatalities. She is obtaining her master’s degree in Social Work at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Group Marketing from Baruch College. In addition to her professional experience in child welfare, she was previously a compliance officer at a brokerage firm and before that, a Medicaid Service Coordinator for children and adults with developmentally disabilities. After a few years in the financial world, Krystal turned to social work where she felt a sense of purpose in her service to the same communities she was raised in as a child. She feels fulfilled by her service to the children and families of New York City, in efforts of breaking generational cycles of poverty by educating, advocating and supporting them as they navigate the city's complex social service programs.

Her advice to current Wildcat students: "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life, as the secret of real success is to accept who you are, believe in it and stop trying to model yourself on someone else or what you think is expected of you. You are your biggest supporter and you have to go after what you want, no matter the limits and expectations society places on you because of where you were raised, the color of your skin or who your family is. It's all up to you. DREAM BIG and put in the hard work to accomplish all that you seek."

Fun fact: Krystal is the niece of Alex/Mr. Martinez!

If you know of or are, yourself a Wildcat Superstar Alum who would like to share an inspiring story with our community, we would love to hear from you! Email oantooa_sct@jvlwildcat.org.