Ana Rosa Martinez

January 2008

At age 16, Ana Rosa Martinez is an outstanding young leader of Salvadoran descent from Washington, D.C. Ana Rosa strives to make a difference in her life and the lives that surround her daily through her dedication to members of her community.

Once she finishes her school day at Cardozo Senior High School, Ana Rosa spends her afternoons helping others. She volunteers at her old elementary school by assisting students to read and solve math problems. Also, she assists children who have the desire to become part of the basketball team she was once a part of by teaching them the basic skills, rules, and routines. Another activity she participates in is assisting Spanish-speaking adults who have dropped out of school in their countries to read and write in both English and Spanish. This busy teenager continues her public service on the weekends where she volunteers her time at her church by organizing and leading its youth programs.

Ana Rosa is not only active volunteering but she also excels academically. In addition to earning 300 hours of community service, she is also on the honor roll. In the future she aspires to become a psychologist in an effort to effectively help the Latino community. It is not only her goal to serve but also to become a pioneer for her community in Washington, D.C. Ana Rosa leads by example and will become a beacon for her generation. Her dedication to serve those in need makes Ana Rosa a CHCI Young Leader of Today.