Angelita Martinez

I was born in Passaic, NJ to a single mother who only spoke and understood spanish, so I understand first hand the challenges of being a first generation American, and having to learn English as a third language. I wasn't able to speak and understand english proficiently until I was in the third grade. However, I did not let this setback affect my education. Eventually, my family moved down to Willingboro and I was fortunate enough to attend Levitt Middle School. After graduating from Levitt, I attended BCIT where I studied Pre-engineering, and excelled at my academics and continued my education at The United States Military Academy at West Point, where I majored in Mechanical Engineering. However, I was unable to commission and I returned home to Willingboro to rediscover the next steps in my life.

 

Since graduating, I have obtained another degree in Physics from Rowan University, all while working as a mechanical engineer. Currently, I was chosen by my company leadership to be a part of a leadership development program to become Director of Operations at my respective plant.

 

Upon returning home from college, I realized that myself, and many of my peers, felt that we were not adequately prepared for college. For many of us, we were playing "catch up" with our peers who came from better sending districts. I am running for school board in order to ensure that every child who leaves the Willingboro School District is adequately prepared for college, the military, trade school, or whatever else life throws at them.