MCC Proud: Meet Dr. Meka Martinez

October 8, 2025

Dr. Meka Martinez serves as the Coordinator of the College Now pre-collegiate partnership program, where she supports and advises high school students as they navigate their courses at Monroe Community College (MCC).

She began her journey at MCC in 2008 as an intern with the Upward Bound (UB) program. From 2009 to 2017, she served as a part-time grant worker for UB while advancing her education. During that time, she held several roles within the program, including program adviser, tutor coordinator, and senior coordinator. After earning her master’s degree in social work in 2017, she transitioned into a full-time role as a student adviser and success coach with EDWIS. She remained in that position until 2023, when she returned to Upward Bound as a program coordinator. In total, her tenure at MCC spans approximately 16 years, with 8 years in full-time positions.

While at MCC, Martinez was honored to participate in the African American Leadership Development Program through the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, where she developed leadership skills that have enhanced her work across various roles at the College.

Martinez was drawn to her profession by a deep passion for helping others. “I cannot think of anything more rewarding than working with high school students, helping them to accomplish their goals and achieve their version of greatness,” she said.

Growing up, Martinez faced numerous hardships with her family, and school was not a priority for her. “However, I had a Hillside youth advocate who stuck with me and helped me until I graduated,” she said. While her youth advocate wanted her to attend college, Martinez didn’t think she’d be successful and opted out.

“Ten years later, I decided to go back to school, and when I told her, she picked right back up with her encouragement and support,” said Martinez. “I am in this line of work because I want to give back the encouragement and support that I received.”

Martinez believes that every student, regardless of their age, deserves to know that someone is in their corner, encouraging and supporting them as they chase their dreams.

As Martinez reflects on her time at MCC, her most cherished memories are of the people she met along the way.

Dr. Tokeya Graham taught her to never give up on herself. Carmalita Brown Wallace showed her what resilience was and helped her to see it in herself. Ray Otto showed her that it is okay to laugh and appreciate life. Kim DeLardge mentored her through some rough times in her life.

Martinez also thanked Alice Gray for her unwavering friendship and the many others who guided her throughout her MCC career.

When asked what advice she’d give current students or those considering enrolling in MCC, Martinez shared a motto she lives by, “Learn to love the little things in life so that the big things don’t knock you down as hard.”

She added, “Regardless of what people may have said to you or about you, never give up on who you are and who you want to be. No matter what, keep moving forward and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There are no dumb questions except the ones that are not asked.”

Martinez is a proud MCC alumna. She received her associate’s degree in human services in 2011. “I was on the Dean’s List five out of the six semesters that I attended – and I graduated with distinction,” she added.

She later earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Keuka College in 2016 through an accelerated program for adult learners. “I was also inducted into the National Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society and graduated magna cum laude,” added Martinez.

In 2017, she earned her master’s degree in social work through the Greater Rochester Collaborative MSW program, a joint initiative between The College at Brockport and Nazareth College, graduating with a degree from Nazareth College.

Finally, in 2024, she received her doctorate in educational administration with a specialization in higher education from the University of Rochester Accelerated EdD Program at the Warner School.

Fun Facts About Meka:

Courtney: If you had to eat the same meal at least once a day, what would it be?
Meka: Mac and Cheese, Yum!
Courtney: What is your favorite movie?
Meka: X-Men (LOL, All of them) and Lion King
Courtney: What is your favorite sports team?
Meka: Before Brady left, it was the New England Patriots. Now, I am not sure. I still love that football team, but I am on the look-out for another team to root for.
Courtney: What is your biggest fear?
Meka: SPIDERS!!!!!
Courtney: Is there anything about you that people are surprised to learn?
Meka: I am a direct and to-the-point type of person, and most people are surprised at my honesty.
Courtney: If you could attend a dinner with any celebrity, living or dead, who would you choose?
Meka: Jesus! I would love to spend some time listening to him tell his stories and teaching me my purpose.
Courtney: Do you prefer staying up late or waking up early in the morning?
Meka: I don’t like either, actually, but if I had to choose, it would be staying up late.
Courtney: Share the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you.
Meka: “Learn to love the little things in life so that the big things don’t knock you down as hard”. I have suffered from depression my whole life, and this advice helped me to remember that weapons will be formed against me, but they will only prosper if I give them a platform.
Courtney: What destination do you hope to visit one day?
Meka: Maybe London. I love the way they talk, and Idris Elba comes from there. He is so gorgeous!
Courtney: What activities do you participate in over the weekend?
Meka: I love to read and watch Anime when I am not with family on the weekends.

Dr. Meka Martinez