July’s MVP

This month, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on a deserving recipient of our MVP Award: Cristal Martinez, Hope for Miami's dedicated Media Specialist. This time, this honor goes to this member of our PR/Marketing Team, recognizing Cristal's outstanding contributions and the vital role she plays in amplifying Hope for Miami's message and mission. Learn more about one of the people behind our impactful campaigns and celebrate her achievement as she answers the questions from our interview:

First of all, congratulations on being named MVP of the Month! How does it feel to be recognized in this way by your Hope for Miami peers?

It makes me feel seen and appreciated. Usually, the work of creatives goes unnoticed because people think it is only about “uploading photos to Instagram” or “editing a photo,” but it is so much more than that.

PR/Marketing plays a key role in connecting the community with Hope for Miami’s mission and vision. In your experience, what has been one project or campaign that made you feel especially proud?

Attending the MenUp graduation was very meaningful to me. I witnessed the dads talk about their experience with the program as part of their graduation speech, and I almost left in tears hearing them talk about the huge impact the program made in their lives. It reminded me of why we do what we do as an organization and deepened my personal “why.” 

As a Media Specialist, your work is often behind the scenes. Can you share with us what a typical day looks like for you and what part of your role you enjoy the most?

Well, in this role, every day is different, and that is one of the things I love the most. I usually come to the office and get to interact with my peers, check emails, and get my juices flowing to create designs and communicate a message to the world. There are days in which I need to capture content outside or at the after-school sites, which is what I love the most. When I arrive at every site, I am always welcomed with a smile and hugs from the kids; they are so loving, it warms my heart. I love doing it.

If you could use one word to describe the 'spirit' or 'heartbeat' of Hope for Miami, what would it be, and how do you try to convey that in your marketing materials?

I would say it’s “humane.” At Hope for Miami, you are not just an employee; you are a person with a story and a life, and they honor that so much. I always feel heard and deeply loved by senior staff and everyone overall. They take care of me as a person and are always flexible and willing to talk things through. I pray that never changes. 

Cristal's passion and expertise are clear, and her work as Media Specialist is undeniably crucial to Hope for Miami's success. Her dedication ensures our stories are heard, our impact is seen, and our mission continues to thrive. We are incredibly grateful for her innovative spirit and hard work, and we extend our warmest congratulations once again to our newest MVP!