El Pueblo and La Fuerza Name Marlene Martinez Executive Director

RALEIGH, N.C. — El Pueblo and La Fuerza are pleased to announce that Marlene Martinez has been appointed Executive Director of both organizations, effective October 5th. She will work with staff, community leaders, partners, and both boards to advance leadership, civic participation, and collective power for North Carolina’s Latine communities.

“We want to thank everyone who participated in our search process, and we are excited to work alongside Marlene, especially during this busy time of the year,” said Felicia Arriaga, Chair of the El Pueblo Board. “Her first months will focus on listening, learning, building trust, and understanding the work of both El Pueblo and La Fuerza.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Marlene into this role. At a moment when bold advocacy and the political power of our communities matter more than ever, La Fuerza’s work is critical,” said Alissa Lopez, Chair of the La Fuerza Board. “We are incredibly excited for the leadership and vision Marlene will bring to this next chapter.”

Marlene Martinez has been leading organizing and political work rooted in building community power. Marlene’s own experience with immigration detention in her family & her experience as a graduate of Winston Salem State University and their “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve” empowered and grounded her to organize en la lucha.

She has spent her career organizing alongside immigrant and working-class communities across North Carolina, with experience in political education, statewide organizing, volunteer development, rapid response, and building infrastructure for collective action. Her work has included working with families impacted by immigration detentions, facilitating political education workshops, training and coaching organizers and volunteers, leading large-scale canvassing and voter engagement programs. Ultimately, she is passionate about building organizing models that support communities in taking action on the issues that affect their lives.

Very proudly rooted in her Latine identity & her family’s heritage from Honduras, she continues fighting for a North Carolina where our communities can live in dignity and without fear.

“I believe in the power of our Gente and in what is possible when our communities come together to build power. Our people already hold so much of the knowledge we need to shape North Carolina’s future,” Martinez said. “We know what our communities need, and we know by organizing together, we can create change. I’m honored to step into this role with El Pueblo and La Fuerza, to build alongside the staff and leaders who have carried this work forward, and to welcome new members into a space where we can grow our power and fight for the future our communities deserve.”

Marlene will succeed Interim Executive Director Alexis Trost. We thank Alexis Trost for her leadership and the care she is bringing to the transition. She’s been a joy to work with for the past year and has strengthened our work in a challenging time for our communities. We are deeply grateful for her support to El Pueblo and La Fuerza.

“I am confident Marlene will build on the strong foundation El Pueblo’s staff and community partners have laid, and I am excited to see El Pueblo and La Fuerza continue to make an impact under her leadership”, Trost said. “This team carried the organization through a demanding year, and they did it with the community at the center of every decision. I am grateful to have supported that work as interim executive director.”

The appointment follows a search led by the two boards with support from Armstrong McGuire and informed by staff and stakeholder perspectives.