Hello! My name is Alejandra Martinez. I am originally from Mexico and a mother of three beautiful children. I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Economics at the University of Utah and will graduate this spring. I am deeply committed to giving back to the community, which is why I volunteer with the Utah Tax Help program, assisting individuals and families with tax preparation and working to improve financial stability for underserved populations. In my role as a manager at a financial institution, I also actively support the Hispanic community by participating in fairs and events that educate individuals about finances and promote financial literacy.
When I learned about the opportunity for an economic fellowship with Voices for Utah Children, I knew it was the perfect way to align my passion for economic justice and acquire hands-on experience while making a difference in my community. My involvement with Voices for Utah Children exhibits my dedication to fostering opportunities, building connections, and committing to community work.
During my fellowship, I worked on various projects focused on gathering data and creating content to highlight how children of color continue to face barriers that hinder their ability to thrive and reach their full potential. Two of the main projects I contributed to were the Tax Fairness Project and the Kids of Color Report: Economics & Education. These projects helped me recognize the importance of shifting our focus from "equal opportunity" to "equitable opportunity"–where resources are distributed based on need rather than equally across all groups.
Furthermore, I learned the importance of supporting policies that address socio-economic challenges such as income inequality, inflation, and unemployment. I had the opportunity to collaborate with experts from various fields–including Children's Health, Family Economic Success, Early Learning & Care, and Juvenile Justice–to address the multidimensional challenges children in Utah face. Lastly, I recognized the significance of ensuring that my work emphasizes transparency, fairness, and responsibility in economic analysis and decision-making.
This fellowship has strengthened not only my commitment to community work but also my advocacy for those in need. I strive to seek opportunities to raise awareness of the needs of diverse communities and to support leaders who can influence legislation to create policies that provide equitable opportunities for everyone.
Alejandra Martinez
Alejandra Martinez is an Economics major at the University of Utah, graduating in Spring 2025. Originally from Mexico and a proud mother of three, Alejandra brings a deep personal commitment to economic justice and family well-being. As the Economic and Policy Analysis Fellow at Voices for Utah Children during the 2024–25 school year.
