CALSA Co-Executive Director to Retire After Decades of Transformational Leadership in Education

February 14, 2025 11:00 AM

SACREMENTO, CA – Martha L. Martinez, a visionary leader in educational advocacy, is retiring after more than two decades within the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) familia and over 40 years of dedicated service to public education. Her career has spanned multiple leadership roles, including Superintendent of Salinas City Elementary School District, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services and Senior Director of District/School Leadership Services at the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

Her legacy was honored during the aPODERar Symposium held Feb. 6-8, with moving speeches and widespread festivities shared alongside distinguished guests, longtime friends and colleagues.

“On behalf of myself and the entire board, I want to extend our most sincere gratitude to Martha for her organization, historical knowledge, and heart in ensuring that CALSA is always represented in the best way possible,” CALSA Board of Directors President Dr. Roxane Fuentes said. “Martha has lifted others, strengthened this organization, and ensured that CALSA remains a place of connection and support. As we continue our work, we will see her efforts and impact reflected in so much of what we do. While she may be stepping away from her role, her presence and influence will always be part of CALSA.”

Throughout her career, Martinez has been a tireless advocate for educational equity, leadership development and mentorship. She has garnered recognition at both the state and national levels for her outstanding leadership, including CALSA’s 2020 Superintendent of the Year for Region 4, Association of California School Administrators’s (ACSA) 2018 Region 10 Superintendent of the Year and the California School Boards Association’s Golden Bell Award for Changing School Communities and Beyond.

Martinez’s leadership has extended well beyond CALSA. As the 2017-18 CALSA President and a founding member of the Latino Family Fund Foundation, she mentored generations of educational leaders, while advancing equity initiatives across multiple organizations. She served on numerous boards, including the Community Alliance for Safety and Peace, the California Equity Leadership Alliance and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Board of Trustees, further solidifying her commitment to inclusive leadership.

“I came to my last conference looking for inspiration, but instead, I found something even greater—reassurance,” Martinez said. “Reassurance that the future of our schools and students is in the hands of passionate, committed leaders who will continue the work we have all dedicated our lives to. Every conversation and every face I have seen during this symposium has filled me with an overwhelming sense of hope. I have always believed that we are exactly where we are meant to be—at the right place, at the right time, for the right reason, and CALSA has become that place for me. It gave me a familia, a purpose, and a community that shares a deep commitment to making a difference. Thank you for allowing me to serve.”

Martinez's CALSA Executive Director counterpart Ofelia Ceja-Lariviere also shared heartfelt reflections during the symposium, acknowledging Martinez's enduring compassion, strength, and transformational leadership, which have left a lasting impact on CALSA and beyond.

“Martha has not only been a colleague but a mentor and dear friend,” Ceja-Lariviere said. “We have worked together so seamlessly, and I have always been able to count on her for advice and support. She is the true definition of leading with corazón and authenticity. Her leadership is unparalleled—remarkable in its depth, vision, and dedication. She is an inspiring example of what it means to be a Latina leader—lifting others, creating opportunities, and making a lasting impact. Her wisdom, heart, and unwavering commitment have been an incredible source of strength for all of us, and her legacy will continue to guide us forward.”

Martinez’s contributions to education are enduring, shaping policies, leadership and programs that will influence California’s educational landscape for years to come. As she transitions from her formal role, her legacy of hope, dedication and transformative leadership will continue to inspire future generations of educators committed to educational equity.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CALSA_MARTINEZ1: Martha L. Martinez, Co-Executive Director of CALSA, delivers a moving speech during her retirement recognition ceremony at the aPODERar Symposium on Feb. 7.

CALSA_MARTINEZ2: CALSA Co-Executive Director Martha L. Martinez is embraced by fellow Co-Executive Director Ofelia Ceja-Lariviere on stage as she is honored during her final CALSA conference on Feb. 7.

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