Jacqueline Martinez, a DePaul University alumni and McNair Scholar, graduated in December 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics. Passionate about educational policy and equality, Jacqueline is a public servant within her community.

Jacqueline works alongside her sister on a non-profit organization, NetWings, which creates cross cultural experiences for youth to defy barriers of geography, language, culture and experience. Jacqueline was a featured speaker in Tedx, an independently organized TED event at DePaul University in which she discusses the program in her talk “In Cities I’d Never Lived.”

While a student at DePaul, Jacqueline served as the founder and chapter president of the Junior Achievement Organization, a volunteer group that teaches financial literacy to young students at Chicago Public Schools. She also was the DePaul University Senator of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, an opportunity that enabled Jacqueline to work with state representatives to share student views about educational legislation.

Jacqueline’s interest in educational policy stems from her realization of the unlimited opportunities that come with education. She credits her experience as the U-46 Student Advisor to the Board during the 2011-12 school year for giving her an opportunity to be exposed to a non-traditional learning environment.

“The U-46 Board of Education helped me navigate intangible skills,” Jacqueline said. “The support and mentorship provided me with a platform to share and communicate effectively.”

In addition to her role as Student Advisor, Jacqueline was a member of the World Languages and International Studies Academy and was involved in the Kiwanis Service Organization, National Honor Society, The American Cancer Society, and DECA Business Organization.

As a graduate of Streamwood High School and U-46, Jacqueline praises the uniquely diverse educational community that encouraged and supported her academic and personal success.

“Be proactive, be willing to learn, get uncomfortable, and have fun,” Jacqueline said. “It might seem daunting, but getting uncomfortable and learning to roll with the punches is an opportunity for growth and spontaneity.”