Barbara L. Martinez

Barbara L. Martinez has more than 20 years of experience in economic development, management, and financial coaching services. Taking the knowledge she acquired during her years in the for-profit companies, she has harnessed that expertise to aid the economic development of low-income communities both in NYC and Chicago. In NYC, Barbara worked as a consultant and trainer for small business entrepreneurs, helping them with business planning, marketing strategies, and access to capital. Currently, Barbara oversees the Heartland Alliances Community Partnerships & Asset Building Programs, where she manages a group of financial coaches and training staff. The Asset Building programs work to help individuals and families build financial health and assets with the long-term goal of help close the Racial Wealth Gap. In addition, Barbara is one of the twelve BankOn Illinois commissioners and regularly contributes to local and regional conferences on asset building. Barbara received Masters’s in Public Relations degree from the University of Northern Iowa.