Kevin Martinez, Community Engagement Director

My background: I was born and raised in South Central LA, and am a proud alum of LAUSD schools. I earned my B.S. in Sociology and my M.Ed from Westminster College (SLC) and University of Utah, respectively. I returned to LA in 2018 and since then worked in non-profit educational organizations where I put my research on community engagement, critical race theory and youth empowerment into praxis.

What I do: I lead our community engagement efforts across the organization. From coordinating listening sessions to tabling at local events, to planning local candidate forums and surveying residents across the city, my goal is to build authentic relationships between our communities and newsrooms. I also support our LA Documenters program and our student journalism program with outreach and engagement.

Why LA: LA is home, and with all its complexities, I truly believe it’s the best city in the world because of the local people that make this city run. And for that reason, we deserve our stories to be told accurately and holistically.

The best way to contact me: kevin@thelalocal.org

Ways to get involved

Donate

Support our nonprofit newsroom and help us build a more connected, and informed Los Angeles.

Sponsor or advertise

Reach an engaged local audience while investing in the future of community-centered, LA news.

Become a mentor 


Guide the next generation of storytellers by sharing your skills and experience with our student journalists.

Become an LA Documenter

Get paid to keep your community informed by attending and holding accountable local public meetings.

Apply to Student Journalism Program

Join other high school students in our afterschool and summer education programs.