The Martinez Foundation Fellowship will join forces with TAF starting December 2015, representing a significant leap forward in our combined ability to provide education to students of color.

The mission of the Martinez Foundation is to increase the number of teachers of color in our schools and to support them through their teaching career.  Martinez Fellows will directly impact the education of students from their placement within schools as teachers, instructional coaches or principals. We are honored that TheMartinez Foundation chose TAF to continue their work and we’re excited about the opportunity to bring together the best of both organizations, accomplishing things that neither organization could do alone. Given the synergy in mission to achieve equity in education, we view this as a natural evolution for both organizations – contributing to a more fully formed teacher development effort.

TAF + Martinez Merger F.A.Q.

How will this merger move the mission of both the TAF and Martinez Foundation forward?

TAF and The Martinez Foundation have important missions that advocate for and serve students and teachers of color respectively.  There is a great multiplicative opportunity in merging programs that allow each to benefit from their unique perspectives and approaches to improving our educational system. TAF is devoted to supporting diverse communities of students through access to a diverse body of great teachers. The Martinez Fellowship program will be part of TAF’s growing number of education and teacher development programs. The Martinez Foundation founders, Edgar and Holli Martinez, are very excited about this opportunity to grow the Martinez Fellowship program under TAF’s umbrella. This partnership will continue to serve the Fellows while looking for exciting ways to improve equity in education here in Washington.  

How will this merger affect the opportunities of the Fellows?

The programmatic support that Fellows have known to expect over the years will remain intact.  TAF is committed to continuing to provide scholarships to people of color who are seeking a Master’s degree in Teaching at one of our partner universities; as well as facilitating ongoing professional development seminars (five) throughout the school year

Who will be the primary contacts in the future for current Martinez Foundation donors?

Trish Millines Dziko (Executive Director, TAF) and/or Uma Rao (Development Director, TAF)

Will the merger affect the current graduate student application or support processes at all?

No. The application and support will remain the same.

How did the merger come about?

For years The Martinez Foundation has been on a steady path of programmatic growth, in order to maintain program quality we needed to find a strategic partner with the infrastructure and expertise to not only manage our current growth, but future expansion of programs as well increased number of Fellows. At this critical point with 118 Fellows and growing to approximately 140 by the end of the school year, Holli and Edgar decided to transition the program to TAF, a valued partner, in order to capitalize on its full potential for expansion.

Where will the physical location be? Will The Martinez Foundation Fellows report to the same location as TAF?

TAF’s office is located on the Southwest Seattle and Burien border within the White Center neighborhood. We will use that space to host some of the Martinez Fellows seminars, associated events and convenings.

Will the Martinez Foundation workshops and seminars continue?

Yes. The seminars have already been scheduled for the 2015-2016 school year and TAF is actively working with the Fellows to determine content.

What will happen to The Martinez Foundation board? What role will Holli and Edgar play?

The Martinez Foundation will cease to function as a formal body when the non-profit officially dissolves in December 2015.  Three to four current Martinez Foundation board members will be added to the TAF board membership.  Edgar and Holli Martinez are committed to championing the Martinez Fellowship and supporting TAF’s continued efforts as they have in the past through engagement at key events and other activities aimed at advocating for the program.

What functions of the Martinez Foundation will be rolled into TAF (scholarships, professional development, annual Fellow conference and early career coaching)?

Every facet of the Martinez Fellowship program will be moved to TAF, including relationships with university partnerships, scholarships, professional development seminars and ongoing support as Fellows enter the field.  Any questions you have about Martinez Fellows programming can be directed to Chris Alejano, Director of Education, TAF (chrisa@techaccess.org)

As a donor, we will be able to “dedicate” donations specifically to The Martinez Fellowship and/or its program components?  How will funding work?

Absolutely. Please let us know that you want to dedicate your donations toward the Martinez Fellowship and we will ensure that it is spent accordingly. Any questions you have about your donations and other funding interests can be directed to Uma Rao, Director of Development, TAF (umar@techaccess.org).

Have additional questions? Our goal is to keep you fully informed as we work to bring the two organizations together but of course if you have any immediate questions or concerns, feel free to contact Uma Rao directly at umar@techaccess.org.