Monica Martinez, a passionate advocate for financial literacy, tirelessly fights to break the chains of poverty through economic empowerment. Drawing from her experiences as a mother of two teenage sons, a decade-long classroom teacher, Vanguard institutional investment and retirement education specialist, and the first Latina Governing Board President of the Peoria Unified School District, Monica’s journey is marked by dynamic leadership.
Transitioning from an Arizona Council on Economic Education (ACEE) volunteer role to Director of Operations and now, Director of Community Development and Marketing, Monica is instrumental in connecting community members, corporate partners, and supporters to Arizona students. Her dedication to fostering economic literacy and advocating for equitable access to education is unwavering.
Monica’s impact is profound, exemplified by her pivotal role in championing the first Financial Literacy Resolution by a public school district in Arizona in 2019. Her achievements have garnered widespread recognition, including being named a finalist for the 2021 School Connect AZ Collaborative Leadership Award and a nominee for the YWCA 2024 Tribute to Leadership. Additionally, Monica spearheaded the launch of ACEE’s groundbreaking student program, EconReads, dedicated to imparting essential economic concepts and culturally reflective literature to young learners.
Monica holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University with an endorsement in Structured English Immersion and M.B.A. from Grand Canyon University, complemented by a Certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown University. Further showcasing her commitment to education finance, she completed the Arizona State University Lodestar Executive Leadership program in 2023.
Currently, Monica serves on the Grand Canyon University College of Education Advisory Board, mentors through the Arizona State University Los Diablos organization, and sits on the Advisory Board for Eudemonics Lab at Georgetown University. Her dedication to service and social entrepreneurship remains unwavering.
