Martina Andrews

Phoenix

My name is Martina Andrews, born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. I have been working with children in a variety of sectors for more than 8 years. My experience includes working with children from early childhood to University level mentoring. My journey with children started in high school, with volunteering for community-based organizations, given back to children and working hard everyday to give children opportunities where the communities do not provide it for them. I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Sociology in 2017. As an undergrad student, I worked as a teacher in early childhood education and have continued my work in early childhood education both in the classroom as a teacher and a classroom coordinator.

During undergrad I learned extensive knowledge on the adversities and experience of minorities. I knew that change was necessary and found myself passionate and ready to take on the challenge of helping communities by understanding their social and emotional needs and development due to their lived experiences. As a sociologist and educator, my focus then and now is to help improve the quality of life of children who are faced with circumstances outside of their control. Children and families who come from urban, low-income neighborhoods are my primary focus. I understand that the adversity faced makes the lived experience different and I will be a vessel to help them find their way. I am currently a Teacher for the Greater Phoenix Urban League, where I work with children who come from low-income neighborhoods. I am currently in pursuit of my Master’s Degree in child and adolescent development.

My goal is to equip parents, educators and community members with the knowledge to understand child development and their role in it. In order to do so I plan to start a nonprofit organization that targets the mental health of people in low-income neighborhoods. I also plan to write books on parenting and helping families promote positive development.