2020 Latina of Influence | Kimberly (Kim) Martinez
Hispanic Lifestyle is pleased to recognize Vice President/General Manager All Pro Broadcasting Kimberly (Kim) Martinez as a 2020 Latina of Influence. Ms. Martinez along with our entire list of 2020 Latinas of Influence are invited to participate in Latina Conference taking place June 2, 2020 in Ontario, California.
In her own words . . .
Kimberly Martinez was born in Riverside California at Riverside Community Hospital. I am the oldest of two, my father is Alfred Martinez and my mother is Rita Benegas Martinez. Though I come from a divorced home, we were brought up with strong family values. I attended Elementary School, Middle School, and high school at both John North High School, and Ramona High School. Played Varsity softball in high school, signed up for college at RCC to study Gerontology, after several months, my teacher advised me that though the passion I displayed for the elderly was probably going to end up being a detriment to my life, as we lost people every day, that meant I cried endlessly every day.
Lost and discouraged from not being able to follow the passion I had for the elderly, and my sincere interest to wanting to make difference, I moved on. I was hired at General Dynamics (please note I had many crazy odds and end jobs in between leaving college and GD, actually too many to list) as a drill press operator, I became a union steward in the Machinists Union, and never lost a grievance. I was promoted to a management position and traveled for General Dynamics to Gallup New Mexico where I was responsible for four supervisors and 120 hourly Navajo Native Americans we worked on the Phalanx program which was a Closed in Weapon System placed on Navy ships.
True Story: I was walking into the plant @ 6:30 in the morning and an old guy in the tool room was there and I greeted him with “good morning” and he said F%$K this place, it was that very day, I re-evaluated what I was doing there. I was employed at General Dynamics for 10 years, they paid for my schooling at Mount SAC, provided me a great salary, and helped in molding me to who I am today in the workforce.
Fast forward; I went to broadcasting school, finished at top of my class in record time, interned, and was hired at a local radio station in Riverside, they hired me upon completion of the internship, I moved and accepted a job in L.A. radio, moved back to Riverside to do radio sales. I have worked at three radio stations; two of them twice in different capacities.
I now am the Vice President General Manager of All Pro Broadcasting owned by former Green Bay Packer Willie Davis. Both My parents are still alive, I have a partner of 25 plus years, we have two kids, three grandchildren, and a very blessed life.
Nominated by Jenniemarie Ramirez and Richard Sandoval
