GIOVANNA MARTINEZ
Associate Director of Domestic Violence Programs, YWCA San Gabriel Valley
Candidate Responses:
Describe your participation in the Partnership’s regional networks, policy committees, peer learning circles and other components of our Membership community
Participating in many Partnership meetings, networks, and committees for over 18 years, I have benefited from CPEDV’s programming. It has helped me grow as an advocate and inspired me to take leadership roles in my community. I have been intentional as I have grown in other agencies to be part of the CPEDV and attend as many meetings and conferences as possible. I see CPEDV’s work across the state as crucial to ending the cycle of violence and an integral support system for our DV non-profits.
Describe how your values are aligned with the values of the Partnership.
As an advocate, my values align with CPEDV, and I work to create equity, inclusion, and safe practices for all survivors of domestic violence and ensure that we end the cycle of abuse. Additionally, I support including our most marginalized survivors on the table and increasing access to their needs by reducing barriers. This aligns with the partnership mission of “increasing community awareness and strengthening our members’ capacity to work toward our common goal of advancing the safety and healing of victims, survivors, and their families.”
What does leadership mean to you? How do you demonstrate leadership?
Leadership is a responsibility that is important to hold. I work on leading with compassion and strengthening those voices that are so often unheard. I work to practice fairness and inclusion in the work. As a leader and representative, I would champion the mission of CEPEDV and our region to best support our communities and commit to social change.
Describe your skills, experience or interests that can benefit, strengthen or increase capacity of the Board.
I have 22+ years of experience working with domestic violence survivors within Los Angeles County. I also sit on the LA County Domestic Violence Counsel as a co-chair for the LGBTQ+ community. I would use my experience to ensure that all our victims and survivors are regarded in conversations and policies that would be enacted.
Describe how your relationships can enhance the work of the Partnership and the Board (for example, with policy-makers, media outlets, culturally specific communities, and the broader community). Tell us how you intend to cultivate those relationships on behalf of the Partnership.
Creating relationships and networking with stakeholders who can support the mission and the work with CPEDV is essential. I would use my voice as someone who champions cultural responsiveness and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals to build more visibility on supporting our most marginalized survivors.
Like other nonprofits, Partnership Board members are expected to raise funds on behalf of the organization. Describe how you can leverage relationships to enhance the image or capacity of the Partnership (for example, potential donors, business leaders, philanthropists) and how you will help us meet our annual fundraising goal.
I would work with the board to ensure that fundraising is being met by tapping into my network and creating relationships supporting our fundraising needs. I am comfortable making public funding requests and including individuals who can support me with the work. I would support the partnership and fundraising initiatives.
