VERONICA MARTINEZ is the new director for the Center for Women & Enterprise in Providence, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the business community, including operating the Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England that focuses on assisting veterans, active-duty service members and their families. Martinez was director of home ownership and asset building for NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley for three years and is a graduate of Rhode Island College, where she majored in sociology and minored in psychology. Prior to that position, she worked as the home ownership coordinator for the Providence Housing Authority.
What is your reaction to being hired as the new director of the Center for Women & Enterprise? I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to direct a program that I have collaborated with and esteemed for many years. I am passionate about empowering women to thrive and succeed. The Center for Women & Enterprise is going to allow me the opportunity to continue to arm women with the tools necessary to pursue their goals.
What aspect of your background do you think will aid you in your role as director, and why? My experience at the Providence Housing Authority coaching first-time homebuyers through the mortgage approval process will aid me in providing the same level of guidance to first-time business owners. My knowledge of lender guidelines and associations with local banks will allow me to help bridge connections between business loan applicants and lending institutions.
What will be your primary goal or objective during your tenure as director and how do you hope to accomplish it? I will be working with the Center for Women & Enterprise team to enhance programming, build new collaborations and uphold the exceptional reputation the organization has in the community. This can only be achieved through effective teamwork and networking coordination.
What is your assessment of the current climate for women in business, and how can it be improved? Although women have made great strides in the workforce and financial capacity, there are still barriers to overcome. For instance, women face gender discrimination and often struggle with juggling their family and professional life. Through empowerment, education and adequate coaching, we can help steer women business owners toward success.
What does it mean to you as a woman to have been hired to play a pivotal role in the business community in Rhode Island? I am honored to be given the opportunity to join this incredible team of professionals to help grow and advance the women business community in Rhode Island. It gives me great pride to see women achieve their very best.
