Posted on May 9, 2025 by Amanda Cerreto
Maribel Martinez '25
From a young age, Maribel Martinez knew she wanted to make a difference. In high school, she discovered a passion for public service and began looking for a path that would allow her to turn that passion into a lifelong career.
When she arrived at UTSA, she found exactly what she was looking for in the Department of Public Administration and Policy within the College for Health, Community and Policy.
“Once I learned about public administration, it just clicked,” Martinez said. “It was the clearest path for me to make meaningful change in my community.”
To enhance her studies, Martinez added minors in civic engagement and nonprofit management—two programs that closely align with her career goals.
“They all work together so seamlessly,” she explained. “Everything I’m learning directly supports what I want to do later in life.”
The nonprofit management minor equips students with a strong understanding of the nonprofit sector, its role in American society, and the fundamentals of management and fundraising. Meanwhile, the civic engagement minor is ideal for students committed to leadership through public service, offering hands-on experience in democratic participation and community involvement.
An Honors College student, Martinez lived in Guadalupe Hall during her first year, where she built connections with fellow high-achieving peers.
“Living at Guadalupe gave me the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive, engaging environment,” she said.
Martinez has also made the most of experiential learning opportunities at UTSA. One of her most impactful experiences was interning with the City of San Antonio’s City Manager’s Office, where a summer internship turned into a yearlong placement thanks to her dedication and performance. She also served in the City’s Communications & Engagement Department, contributing to high-impact projects such as the horse-drawn carriage survey and the Ready to Work SA program.
On campus, Martinez was selected to serve on the President’s Student Advisory Council, where she and a small cohort met with President Taylor Eighmy to provide insight into the student experience and advocate for change.
She credits her professors, especially Gina Amatangelo, for supporting her development as both a student and a leader.
“Professor Amatangelo has been an incredible mentor,” Martinez said. “She helped me find the right internships and taught me how to become a more effective leader and advocate.”
Looking ahead, Martinez aspires to work for—or even lead—a nonprofit organization. She has already taken a major step in that direction: she’s been accepted into the Master of Public Administration program at the University of North Texas.
To students considering the field, Martinez offers this advice: “Public administration is one of the best fields to go into if you want to help people. The faculty at UTSA bring real-world experience from leadership roles across San Antonio, and there are so many opportunities for internships and service learning,” she said. “You’ll gain the skills and knowledge to create real, lasting change.”
— Amanda Cerreto
