Meet Chrisel Martinez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chrisel Martinez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chrisel , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

My commitment to authenticity, grounded in faith, has guided me in navigating spaces where I may be one of few. I believe that wherever I am placed, there is purpose—a self-awareness that reminds me my presence, especially in spaces where I might be underrepresented, can open doors and inspire others who follow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Thank you for the opportunity to share a bit of my journey! My name is Chrisel Ahime Martinez, and I am a Cultural Producer and community engineer based in Harlem, New York. My work centers on fusing political insight with community-driven programming to create spaces that amplify underrepresented voices and foster collective empowerment. Raised by two Dominican immigrant parents, my drive for social reform and community upliftment began early. This experience gives me a deep understanding of the barriers faced by those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and it’s made me passionate about creating inclusive pathways for engagement in the arts and education.One of the most exciting aspects of my work is partnering with cultural organizations, entrepreneurs, and art collectives to develop programming that reshapes collective consciousness and fosters authentic connections. I curated a female-led arts exhibition through support from The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), which was a powerful experience in showcasing diverse voices and talents. My approach to curatorial work is to provide universal experiences that resonate on a personal level while prompting broader social reflection.As a person, I consider myself to be a brand, embodying values of resilience, curiosity, and authenticity. Life continually invites me into new discoveries, each one expanding my perspective and sense of purpose.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I’ll do one of each:
1 Quality: Willingness to Seek Advice and Lean on Mentors
A crucial quality that’s guided me is my openness to seek advice and lean on mentors. Often, it can feel like we have to figure everything out alone, but in reality, mentorship is invaluable. Seeking out mentors and being open to feedback have both been transformative in shaping my path and helping me learn from others’ experiences.

2. Skill: Developing the skill of resonance—being able to connect meaningfully with others—is another core element of my journey. I’ve found that relationships built on authenticity and shared understanding create bonds that are as rewarding as they are enduring. My advice to those starting out is to focus on truly understanding people and finding common ground

3. Area of Knowledge: Deep Self-Awareness Knowing oneself—understanding your strengths, weaknesses, boundaries, dreams, and non-negotiables—has been one of the most impactful areas of knowledge. Self-awareness has empowered me to make choices that align with my values and purpose, even when the path forward wasn’t entirely clear. To those early in their journey, I’d say that cultivating a practice of self-reflection is essential.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growths have been in learning to surrender to the natural flow of life, while also becoming more assertive about my likes, dislikes, and values. Embracing this flow has allowed me to let go of rigid expectations and trust the process, even when things don’t go as planned. At the same time, I’ve focused on establishing clear boundaries and setting personal standards for myself and those around me. This practice has been transformative, helping me to create healthier relationships and environments that truly support my well-being.

Of course, this journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Setting boundaries and standing firm in my values has brought some resistance and, at times, the loss of certain connections. But each of these experiences has felt like an essential part of a larger purpose, redirecting me back to myself and reinforcing my commitment to authenticity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pbs.org/video/start-small-think-big-zqzafp/
• Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriselmartinez/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriselmartinez/

Image Credits

Carlos Trillocks @carlosmtrillocks

Kateryna @Katya_shutko

Mike @fallapartmike