{"id":2030,"date":"2025-10-08T09:01:46","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T13:01:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.monroecc.edu\/news\/?p=2030"},"modified":"2025-08-27T14:10:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T18:10:14","slug":"mcc-proud-meet-dr-meka-martinez","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.monroecc.edu\/news\/2025\/10\/08\/mcc-proud-meet-dr-meka-martinez\/","title":{"rendered":"MCC Proud: Meet Dr. Meka Martinez"},"content":{"rendered":"

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).<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Martinez was drawn to her profession by a deep passion for helping others. \u201cI cannot think of anything more rewarding than working with high school students, helping them to accomplish their goals and achieve their version of greatness,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Growing up, Martinez faced numerous hardships with her family, and school was not a priority for her. \u201cHowever, I had a Hillside youth advocate who stuck with me and helped me until I graduated,\u201d she said. While her youth advocate wanted her to attend college, Martinez didn\u2019t think she\u2019d be successful and opted out.<\/p>\n

\u201cTen years later, I decided to go back to school, and when I told her, she picked right back up with her encouragement and support,\u201d said Martinez. \u201cI am in this line of work because I want to give back the encouragement and support that I received.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

As Martinez reflects on her time at MCC, her most cherished memories are of the people she met along the way.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Martinez also thanked Alice Gray for her unwavering friendship and the many others who guided her throughout her MCC career.<\/p>\n

When asked what advice she\u2019d give current students or those considering enrolling in MCC, Martinez shared a motto she lives by, \u201cLearn to love the little things in life so that the big things don\u2019t knock you down as hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

She added, \u201cRegardless 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\u2019t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There are no dumb questions except the ones that are not asked.\u201d<\/p>\n

Martinez is a proud MCC alumna. She received her associate\u2019s degree in human services in 2011. \u201cI was on the Dean\u2019s List five out of the six semesters that I attended – and I graduated with distinction,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

She later earned her bachelor\u2019s degree in social work from Keuka College in 2016 through an accelerated program for adult learners. \u201cI was also inducted into the National Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society and graduated magna cum laude,\u201d added Martinez.<\/p>\n

In 2017, she earned her master\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Fun Facts About Meka:<\/strong><\/p>\n