Desiree Martinez serves as IGNITE’s Program Manager, supporting local chapters and national fellows to cultivate young women’s political leadership at both the local and national levels.

Desiree is a storyteller, community organizer, and advocate for educational equity. She began organizing at 16 in response to budget cuts that threatened to eliminate the arts and college counseling programs at her Title I high school in South East Los Angeles. As a proud first-generation college graduate, Desiree has continued to advocate for youth voice and agency throughout her career.

Prior to joining IGNITE, Desiree served as the Senior Manager of Community and Programs at Our Turn, where she led national youth leadership initiatives and supported young changemakers driving policy changes in their school districts.

Desiree earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Education Studies from UCLA. She currently lives in San Antonio, TX.