Cristhabel Martinez

About Cristhabel Martinez

I am a civic engagement and public policy leader with over a decade of experience building power alongside underrepresented communities across Wisconsin. I lead large-scale organizing, electoral, and policy strategies that expand political participation and drive systemic change.Currently, I serve as Senior Manager of Civic Engagement at Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT), where I lead statewide organizing, electoral, and policy programs. I have directed voter engagement efforts that have reached over voters, primarily across Milwaukee while advancing policy priorities that directly impact Black and Brown communities. My work sits at the intersection of grassroots organizing, coalition building, public advocacy, campaigns, electoral strategy, and lobbying. I have built and scaled civic engagement programs, developed leadership pipelines for emerging leaders, and led cross-sector partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes in voter turnout, issue-based campaigns, and long-term community power. In addition to my professional role, I serve as Chair of the Latino Caucus of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, where I lead efforts to expand Latino political power, strengthen representation in party leadership, and support candidates and elected officials at the local and state level. My leadership began in grassroots movement work as a co-founder of Dreamers of Wisconsin, where I built a statewide organization advancing immigrant justice. I led teams of 30+ volunteers, launched year-round holistic support programs, and raised and distributed over in scholarships to support immigrant youth, while advancing advocacy efforts across higher education systems and state policy spaces. As the daughter of immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, my work is grounded in a deep commitment to equity, representation, and building lasting power for communities most impacted by policy decisions. I am particularly interested in advancing policies and strategies that expand access, representation, and long-term political power.

Experience

1. Senior Manager of Civic Engagement

   Leaders Igniting Transformation

   Nov 2023 — Present · Milwaukee, WI, US

   Lead civic engagement, electoral, and policy strategy across Milwaukee and statewide initiatives-Directed voter engagement programs reaching voters in Milwaukee-Oversee cross-functional teams executing large-scale organizing and outreach campaigns-Lead policy advocacy and lobbying efforts advancing priorities impacting Black and Brown communities-Built and scaled integrated programs across organizing, electoral strategy, and public policy-Develop leadership pipelines and mentor emerging community leaders

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Bachelor of Social Work-BSW, Social Work; Certificates: Criminal Justice, Educational Policy, Global Health

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  UW Global Health and Human Rights Training

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Master of Social Work - MSW, Policy & Administration