New Executive Director brings spirit
If there is one student who is the embodiment of the Javelina spirit, arguably it is Carmela Martinez.
As the Executive Director of the Campus Activities Board, Martinez is at the heart of events on campus that not only give students something to enjoy but help them acclimate to college while providing an opportunity to make friends and have fun.
A senior at Texas A&M University Kingsville, Carmela finds herself at the center of all student engagement and campus activities.
“I love my job and I love my organization. We are such a big part of student engagement and I think it’s important to get to know who we are what it is we do,” she said.
Carmela first joined CAB her freshman year and instantly felt welcomed.
“It was funny because I had never heard of CAB but I ended up staying because they were really welcoming, remembered my name, helped me with school and gave me a place to be with things to do,” Carmela said. “I also got to make some great friends and meet some great people along the way.”
Carmela felt at home with CAB from the beginning. Growing up in San Antonio, her parents helped organize events and were leaders in their community. This gave Carmela the skills and knowledge she still uses today.
“I used to do it all the time with my parish. My mom would plan the Halloween carnival for hundreds of people, and we did a lot of programming for sports, just planning tons of events all the time,” Carmela said.
When the pressure begins to rise from the responsibilities of school, work and CAB, Carmela looks for support and guidance from those around her.
“Julianne Gomez has been a big role model to me, even though she is my boss, she is someone I can look up to and depend on,” Carmela said.
Campus Activities Coordinator and CAB adviser Julianne Gomez works with Carmela to create events and maintain student engagement on campus.
“Reflecting on the student and individual she was when we hired her until now, Carmela, like most students, has faced many hardships, but I never once doubted that she wouldn’t persevere through it all,” Gomez said.
Carmela previously served as Public Relations Chair and a general member, is a wonderful addition to the team, Gomez said.
“Since day one, she saw my vision and goals and has helped me restructure CAB to what it is now, and I couldn’t have done any of it without her help. I truly appreciate Carmela,” Gomez said.
Aside from CAB, Carmela takes on other responsibilities around campus that promote student engagement.
“She also takes on responsibilities around campus such as being a part of different university committees, which in turn, allows her to meet faculty, staff and upper administration,” Gomez said. “From these opportunities, she has grown as a leader and an individual and I am so proud of her.”
Carmela serves on such committees as the Multicultural Committee, Black Heritage Committee, Homecoming, and more.
Carmela fills her schedule with other responsibilities that are not written in the job description.
“My biggest responsibility is taking care of my board and members, they’re the ones that make CAB successful,” Carmela said. A responsibility she holds close.
Through CAB, Carmela has met many people and created friendships that she cherishes. One of her best friends and a fellow CAB Board member, Erial Hawkins, has been working with Martinez since they both joined as freshmen.
“She’s the best. She’s my right hand. I believe everyone should have a Carmela in their life. Carmela is a very understanding, selfless and caring individual. She is always there to listen, and to give advice,” Hawkins said.
As Martinez continues in the executive director position, she tries to promote a constructive environment for everyone she meets.
“Carmela promotes a positive and healthy environment for everyone, I believe this has helped everyone look at one another as family,” Hawkins said. “The environment we have is what she promotes to non-members, and this makes students want to join.”
Though she enjoys being executive director, Carmela feels the pressure does get overwhelming.
“It’s a big responsibility being in my position. Heaviest is the head that wears the crown, and trust me, it’s heavy,” she said. “It can be a tough job, but I try to focus on the positive and the people who help me serve our community.”
Carmela is excited to continue in her position and to make this year full of opportunity for students at the university.
“I’m excited to meet new people, create new opportunities and welcome people to CAB the way I was welcomed back then,” Carmela said. “Our job as an organization is to bring students out to our events and give them something to be excited about. We give them a break from their homework and exams and make sure our campus is full of life.”
