Maria Martinez

Maria Martinez is a Master of Environmental Management Candidate at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies where she studies urban resilience and climate policy. Her research focuses on applications of policy and public finance mechanisms that build climate resilience in coastal communities. Through her research and advocacy, Maria hopes to bring innovative solutions that adapt vulnerable communities to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise. Maria earned her BA from the University of Florida where she studied political science and sustainability studies. She hails from a policy background and prior to attending graduate school, worked at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in Washington D.C. She formed part of the leadership team of DC Divest, a local grassroots organizing group, which successfully caused the passage of a citywide resolution to divest the District’s public pension funds from fossil fuel companies. Upon completing her studies at Yale University, Maria endeavors to return to public service in local government where she can promote policies that foster resilient, sustainable, and equitable cities.