Adriana Martinez is passionate about increasing educational and socio-economic opportunities for underrepresented populations. As Director of External Affairs – Statewide Relations at AT&T, Adriana leads and develops strategic partnerships and initiatives throughout California that support this mission. Prior to joining AT&T in 2011, Adriana ran her own consulting practice providing government, community and public affairs services with a focus on economic development in under-resourced communities.
Adriana’s professional career over the past 23 years spans the corporate, non-profit, micro-enterprise and government sectors, with a focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, strategic management and adding value. Prior to launching her consulting practice in 2007, Adriana served as Associate Director of Economic Development for Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, as well as Economic Policy Director for Mayor James K. Hahn. Adriana began her career in Washington, D.C. as Policy Advisor to Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard before transitioning to the small business and non-profit sectors. During her time in our nation’s capitol, Adriana founded the region’s first traditional Mexican folklorico academy and performance group, De Colores Mexican Folk Dance Company.
Adriana earned an MBA from the Anderson School/UCLA (2002) and a B.A. in International Relations from Stanford University (1993). She is also a graduate of the CORO Fellows Program in Public Affairs/San Francisco (1994). Adriana is from Boyle Heights and graduated Valedictorian from Roosevelt High School, 1989. Adriana and her husband, Luis Ayala, live in Alhambra with their two young children, Citlali, 11, and Diego, 9. She has received numerous awards for her civic work, including Community Champion Award from the YMCA, 2015; Mujeres Destacadas (La Opinion), 2009; Alumna of the Year, UCLA Latino Business Association, 2009. Adriana serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the American Latino Museum; and the Stanford Latino Alumni Association; as well as Advisory Board of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the Salinas Valley Dream Academy.