Martinez, who received the Diversity Leadership in Government award, is a Regional Program Manager at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (NOAA OER). Martinez started the NOAA OER office at URI in 2004, and managed collaborations between NOAA, GSO
and the Ocean Exploration Trust, paving the way for the adoption of ship-to-shore telepresence technology.

As a Latina from Providence, R.I. who dropped out of high school to support her-self and help support her family, Martinez has a career-long commitment to serving as an advocate and mentor to others with similar backgrounds. “I have focused on exploring, identifying and breaking down barriers to entry for underrepresented individuals into STEM opportunities, academic programs and the workforce,” said Martinez. “Not only do I work with a dedicated group within NOAA on these issues, but also with a talented team at URI, who are as committed as I am to embracing difference and broadening the reach of STEM opportunities for groups historically and consistently underrepresented in these fields.”

Baker-Yeboah, who was honored at the Detroit, Mich. ceremony as a 2019 Technology Rising Star, is a NOAA Affiliate Research Scientist through the University of Maryland. The Oak Vale, Miss. native did her postdoctoral training at MIT, became a visiting professor at Lesley University and then at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. In 2015 Baker-Yeboah joined NOAA and now works at the agency’s Center for Satellite Applications and Research where she uses satellite data to help develop products for a variety of applications. “One of the most rewarding aspects of working with NOAA is being an integral part of an organization that serves our nation, from people who use satellite data to surf ocean waves to others needing it for search-and-rescue efforts to help those in need,” she said.

As an African-American oceanographer, Baker-Yeboah believes strongly in following the path of other trailblazing women of color in the science and technology fields. “I continue to overcome obstacles, and I try to give back to others, especially to those in the STEM community,” she says.

Martinez said that there are many complex issues that need to be addressed before the broader STEM community can become truly inclusive of underrepresented women of color. “Beyond a much needed culture shift, ensuring that women of color are encouraged, recruited, championed and mentored, and provided leadership opportunities at the same level and rate as their majority peers, would simultaneously bring the appropriate perspectives to the table and create the momentum to carry us all forward, and upward.”