Oklahoma City

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The Oklahoma City Division honors Jessica Martinez-Brooks for demonstrating leadership in support of youth and educational programs and initiatives.

For more than a decade, Mrs. Martinez-Brooks has enhanced and grown educational programs not only at Oklahoma City Community College where she works but also in many Oklahoma City communities. In 2001, Mrs. Martinez-Brooks sponsored a campus organization designed to promote education for Hispanic students. She also began volunteering with the Latino Community Development Agency and was recognized as Volunteer of the Year in 2006.

In her position as director of community outreach and education, Mrs. Martinez-Brooks has secured and administered grants totaling more than $1,000,000. She also has partnered with approximately 30 schools, technology centers, non-profits, and local businesses to provide free adult basic education. As a direct result of her efforts, more than 3,000 students each year take English as a Second Language (ESL) and graduation equivalency degree (GED) classes in 23 different off-site locations. In addition, free GED and ESL community education summer classes are being held; new computers were purchased for the Capitol Hill Center, where the elderly are provided free computer classes; and free citizenship classes are offered to the community. Mrs. Martinez-Brooks continues her community service outside the confines of the college by serving on the board of directors for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and many other organizations. She also served as president of the Oklahoma Hispanic Professional Association and served on the scholarship committee of the League of United Latin American Citizens.