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April 16, 2024
Episode 40: The Power of Community with Elia Martin
In this inspiring episode of The Exit Interview, we have the privilege of hearing from Elia Martin, a former educator and social worker turned grant manager, who shares her transformative journey through education, social work, and beyond. Elia's story takes us from her initial dreams of becoming a dentist to finding her true calling in supporting youth and families, mostly in Black communities.
In this inspiring episode of The Exit Interview, we have the privilege of hearing from Elia Martin, a former educator and social worker turned grant manager, who shares her transformative journey through education, social work, and beyond. Elia's story takes us from her initial dreams of becoming a dentist to finding her true calling in supporting youth and families, mostly in Black communities. She discusses the challenges and motivations behind her career shifts, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, the impact of leadership changes, and the quest for better opportunities. Elia also delves into her current pursuits, including her work in grant management and her passion project, the Mommyana podcast, dedicated to the experiences of Black motherhood. Join us as we explore Elia's journey, her insights on Black educator retention, and her valuable advice for those contemplating a career transition.
First of all.... have you signed up for our newsletter, Black Educators, Be Well? Why wait?
Amidst all the conversations about recruiting Black educators, where are the discussions about retention? The Exit Interview podcast was created to elevate the stories of Black educators who have been pushed out of the classroom and central office while experiencing racism-related stress and racial battle fatigue.
The Exit Interview Podcast is for current and former Black educators. It is also for school districts, teachers' unions, families, and others interested in better understanding the challenges of retaining Black people in education.
Please enjoy the episode.
Peace out,
Dr. Asia Lyons and Kevin Adams
Elia Martin
Social Worker
Elia Martin, a Denver, Colorado native, boasts an impressive professional trajectory rooted in her early years in Denver’s Parkhill neighborhood. An alumna of East High School within the Denver Public School system, she graduated in 2009. Elia's academic pursuits led her to the University of Northern Colorado, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services in 2013.
Upon graduation, Elia embarked on a career within the Denver Public School system, initially serving as an AmeriCorps member before ascending to the role of School-Based Regional Coordinator in the Department of Family and Community Engagement. In this capacity, she contributed significantly across various schools in the district. Culminating her six-year tenure in public education, Elia last served as a Regional Coordinator for Career Exploration and Mentorship in the Department of Career Connect. Here, she managed a pivotal program focusing on mentoring and career exploration for students at Manual High School and CEC Early College.
Further advancing her expertise, Elia obtained a Master of Social Work from Western New Mexico University in 2021. This led her to pivot towards macro-level social work. She currently holds a pivotal position as a Grant Manager with the Department of Local Affairs, overseeing the Emergency Solutions Grant. This role entails managing significant funding allocations to nonprofits and local governments across Colorado, aimed at addressing homelessness. Additionally, Elia contributes her expertise as a newly elected board member of the Metro Denver Homele… Read More
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