<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><item href="/education/features/kmartinez/index.php" dsn="news"><featured/><top-stories/><pubDate>02/12/2020 12:13:15 PM</pubDate><title>A Helping Hand: UH College of Education Alumna Empowers Houston’s Northside Community</title><subtitle/><description>A high achiever and self-described “Type A” go-getter, Martinez has always pushed herself to excel. She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in just three years, received a job offer the day before commencement and was promoted within her first year. Yet she is keenly aware of the importance of self-care, so she can give back wholeheartedly to her hometown. &#xD;
Martinez now serves as the volunteer coordinator for the Friends of Northside division of Attack Poverty. The nonprofit works with underserved neighborhoods in Houston and its surrounding areas as well as internationally, collaborating with community leaders, local organizations, churches and residents to provide services to those in need. Martinez works closely with members of the community, in addition to recruiting volunteers, fundraising and working with Attack Poverty’s young professionals group. &#xD;
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