Elenie Martinez

How would you describe your experience as an NYU Wagner student?

Throughout Wagner, I had experiences that made my time at Wagner truly valuable and eye-opening. Two professors stuck with me, Vanessa Leon and Jamila Brown who were extremely impactful in my studies. I had never had the opportunity of having two Black woman as educators and at that, black Caribbean educators who I felt spoke from an experience I could truly identify with. 

Another highlight was having a class taught by sitting Assembly Member Michael Blake where his experience in the field was one of a kind.

Unfortunately, my Wagner in-person experience was cut short by the pandemic but the network and support group of friends that were made was not. For me, being on campus I always found myself connecting with different people from different walks of lives, young or older; in the field, just graduating undergrad or going into their second careers; never having lived in the US, in NYC or have lived here forever like me. This was one of the reasons I went to Wagner and now having friends to talk advocacy and policy from different states and countries is so rewarding. Going into Wagner straight out of undergrad combined with my experience as Afro-Dominican woman I was uneasy but I am forever grateful for the BIPOC support group who ultimately made me feel at home and still stick with me. A year later, seeing all the work we’re doing and the connections we’ve built with each other cements I know I made the right decision to go to Wagner.

Have you found any advantages to being a part of the NYU Wagner alumni network?

Yes. I have a couple of alumni who connected me to people working at my job when I was new and helped me create networks/friends at Vera. I have also been connected to special events in NYC that have proven to be impactful for me and my work.

Can you tell us a bit about your job responsibilities?

Vera’s new Advocacy and Partnerships department is responsible for coordinating the vision, strategy, and staff development across Vera’s initiatives to pass legislation, change policy, and create change at scale. I lead all day-to-day coordination, scheduling and logistics of the department and the VP of the department. This includes projects like leading coordination and assisting with strategy for department and all staff monthly advocacy trainings and brown bags.

How did your experiences at NYU Wagner prepare you for your career?

Wagner truly helped me understand that advocacy was the work I wanted to be in. 

My experience of being Treasurer of Wagner City Government and that E-Board was the highlight of my Wagner “extracurricular life.” In hosting panels and networking events, it helped me learn so much about city government and all the work that was being done locally. This also game me the opportunity to connect with many elected officials and colleagues and hear their stories. Having an advocacy class led by Make The Road NJ and working on their drivers license campaign helped me understand how to truly listen and put the needs of impacted people first, always. Ultimately, Wagner showed me we need more people listening to the lived experiences of impacted people.