We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gwendolyne Martinez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gwendolyne below.
Gwendolyne, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Coming from a family of immigrants and being the oldest, I understood that the sacrifices my family made to come to this country in search of the American dream—I needed to make their sacrifices worthwhile. They instilled in me the importance of education and that my education would be my ticket to achieving that dream. Through their example, I learned the value of hard work, integrity, and resilience.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I wear many hats, but the thread that ties them all together is purpose. I’m the Executive Director of the Inwood Merchant Association in New York City, a nonprofit championing local businesses and reimagining what community support looks like. I’m also the CFO and School Business Administrator for a charter school in New Jersey—where I lead with strategy, integrity, and a fierce commitment to equity in education. And if that wasn’t enough, I’m the co-owner (and proud 51% owner!) of a mobile car detailing business—Xcellence Auto Spa —which is now gearing up to expand into a full-service car wash experience.
At my core, I’m a builder. Of businesses. Of communities. Of connections. Of possibility.
My career began in finance—I’ve spent over 22 years in accounting, armed with a Master’s in Governmental Accounting from Rutgers. For most of my life, I thought my lane was strictly numbers. But somewhere along the way, I discovered I’m also a creative, a connector, a visionary. I love turning a spark into something tangible—whether it’s mine or someone else’s.
What excites me most today is innovation at the intersection of impact and entrepreneurship. At the Inwood Merchant Association, we recently launched two powerful campaigns that reflect that energy. Behind the Business is a social media series spotlighting the soul of our neighborhood—the mom-and-pop shops that shape our culture and economy. We’re telling their stories, elevating their voices, and reminding folks why local matters.
Then there’s Rep Your Block, Don’t Wreck It—a bold, boots-on-the-ground campaign aimed at cleaning up our streets while sparking pride and ownership in our communities. One of our videos went viral, racking up over 679,000 views, and inspiring everyday people—especially young men in the neighborhood—to step up and take care of the block they call home. That’s what it’s all about.
Whether I’m reviewing a budget, designing a campaign, or washing down a luxury car—I’m always thinking about how to elevate, how to empower, and how to make things better.
I’m also a proud mother of four—two girls, two boys, ages 7 to 24. They’re my daily motivation and my biggest reminder that legacy isn’t just what you build, but how you build it.
What’s next? Big things. I’m expanding Xcellence into a high-end car wash cafe – built by a woman, unapologetically for women, and so smooth and stylish that even men will want in. I’m working on new programs that deepen community engagement and business growth. And I’m continuing to lead with heart, grit, and imagination.
Because I believe when we root our work in purpose—and allow ourselves to dream big—we don’t just change the game. We create a whole new one.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that had the most impact on my journey were resilience, financial literacy, and the ability to build relationships.
Resilience is everything. You’re going to hear “no” more times than you’d like, face obstacles you didn’t expect, and have moments where you’ll question if you’re on the right path. What kept me moving was a deep belief in the why behind my work, and the understanding that challenges are just part of building something worthwhile. My advice? Get comfortable with discomfort. Learn to see failure as feedback and keep showing up, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
Financial literacy gave me power. I started in accounting, and that foundation allowed me to make smart decisions, manage big budgets, and eventually lead organizations and launch my own business. Whether you want to be a CEO or a creative, knowing your numbers gives you freedom. So my advice: don’t shy away from money. Learn it. Own it. Let it work for you.
And finally, relationships have been everything. No matter how skilled you are, you need people. I’ve built partnerships, launched campaigns, and grown businesses through genuine connections—by listening, collaborating, and showing up for others. For those just starting out, I’d say: show up with value and authenticity. Be curious, be kind, and never underestimate the power of a good conversation.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was, unintentionally, leave me to figure things out on my own. As immigrant parents navigating a new country, a new language, and a culture they didn’t understand, they simply didn’t have the tools or experience to guide me the way they may have wanted to. They were young, surviving, and doing their best without an education—and for much of my early life, that left me feeling unseen, unloved, and alone.
But with time—and now as a parent myself—I’ve come to understand that what felt like absence was actually a powerful gift. Their struggle taught me independence. Their silence made me resourceful. And their resilience lit a fire in me to build a different path, not just for myself, but for everyone I touch through my work.
It wasn’t easy—but it was exactly what I needed to become who I am today. And for that, I’m deeply and forever grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imanyc.org/ https://xcellenceauto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwenmartinez3?igsh=MTg0YWJnNmtibzFsdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.instagram.com/inwoodmerchantassociation?igsh=NzA4cjgydTVtbmc1 https://www.instagram.com/dyckmandiary?igsh=ZWZxdnJuamV1c2li
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolynemartinez
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