Meet the Committee Members Behind Southside Collaborative: Olga Martinez

Meet Olga Martinez, a fierce advocate and unwavering leader in the Southside community. Her journey into the Southside Collaborative was sparked by an invitation from Southside Collaborative's Director, Edward Castillo, but community service has always been her calling. As the president of the Villa Coronado Neighborhood Association for over 15 years, she has tirelessly fought for her neighbors, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met.

Her activism has led to remarkable achievements, including securing a $4.6 million infrastructure project to improve safety in her neighborhood! After witnessing multiple accidents involving school buses and public transportation, she took action, refusing to accept silence from city officials. Her persistence paid off—now, traffic signals and crosswalks are being installed to protect the most vulnerable members of her community.

Her leadership is deeply rooted in the belief that knowledge is power. She has been instrumental in connecting young people with life-changing opportunities, such as Goodwill’s free certification programs for mechanics, barbers, and beauticians. By personally engaging with neighborhood youth, she ensures they know about the resources available to them—resources that could change the trajectory of their lives.

Beyond formal advocacy, she is a natural problem-solver. Whether it’s fighting unfair citations for residents trying to comply with city ordinances, ensuring workers understand their rights under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), or even saving a life with CPR on a baseball field, she embodies the principle of taking action where it’s needed most.

Her passion for community service is deeply personal. She comes from a family of natural leaders, learning from her father’s wisdom and resilience. She instills the same values in her daughters—never accepting ‘no’ for an answer when they know something is right.

While she is still learning the full scope of the Southside Collaborative, she sees its potential. She believes in its mission and is eager to contribute her wealth of experience to expand its impact. With her dedication and influence, there’s no doubt that the Collaborative will continue to grow, reaching more people and changing more lives.

Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, heart and community spirit. Southside is stronger because of leaders like her.