Hostos is thrilled to welcome new Vice President for the Division of Institutional Advancement, Ana Martínez. Individuals gathered. Smile.
Vice President Ana Martínez (front, in red) with
the team from the Division of Institutional Advancement.
 
Hostos is thrilled to welcome new Vice President of the Division of Institutional Advancement, Ana Martínez. We sat down with her for a closer look.

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Santa Clara, Cuba.  We came to the United States via Spain. I grew up in Queens, NY, and after college, moved to Miami where I lived until now.

What brought you to Hostos?

The desire to make a real difference, a search for meaning and purpose, and the call of our times. The history we are living is asking us to be awake, act, speak up, and hold on to our Truth. Hostos Community College is a microcosm of the global conversation. I want to be surrounded by faculty and staff who are real change agents and trailblazers and be inspired by students who overcome obstacles and are not only transformed, but become part of the solution. It’s all here.
  
While you just arrived, what is it about the College that excites you the most?

There are many components of the College that excite me, but opportunity and meaning are at the top. Where many may see lack of resources and funding needs topped with the challenges of our times, I see opportunity, opportunity, and opportunity.  There is so much potential here.  Hostos has gone a long way since it was founded, and now, as it turns 50, we enter its next phase.  I can’t wait to experience it.  

The college is also my personal opportunity to give back and come full circle. I too was once a student in need, attending school on a PELL grant, learning English and assimilating to a new culture while helping make ends meet as my brother and I worked to support our Mom, the only bread winner.  I see myself in many of our students and their struggles, and I can sincerely say, that, like the song says: “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”

What is your favorite book and/or movie? 

This is a tough one because I love to read and watch films. However, I absolutely devoured Patti Smith’s memoir, Just Kids. I remember leaving work early, because I could not wait to get home and finish the book. Her story speaks to the power of artistic truth and self-expression, but also to the transformational and, at times, painful power of love. Her literary style is sublime. I actually met Ms. Smith at a book presentation, and I was so nervous to meet her that I teared up as I approached her. I remember saying to her, “thank you for being” as she signed my books.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not trying to promote the people and programs at Hostos?  

I love creative writing, reading, and taking power walks while rediscovering NYC. I also enjoy photography and dancing. I have kept journals since the age of 10, so you can imagine how many journals I have by now. My other hobbies relate around visual stories and thinking. I love taking pictures and any creative endeavor that helps me make connections I wouldn’t normally make. I am blessed to live near a playground like Central Park, where the subject matter changes by the second and inspires me daily. I also relish time and great conversation with family and friends, and if you get me on the dance floor, you better be moving your feet, because I love to dance, especially salsa.