Maria Martinez
An innovative and results-oriented leader, Martinez continues to spearhead internal initiatives whose impact resonates across the company. She recently developed an internal framework to define HSN Inc’s corporate culture, creating and aligning fundamentals and leadership behaviors to support current and future strategies for employee experience. She also expanded the talent pipeline through recruitment, retention and development. Martinez, who hasn’t missed an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” or “Scandal,” cites Shonda Rhimes as a content creator whose shows “exemplify worlds that are created by embracing diversity. She puts cultural, racial and gender diversity front and center and tackles diversity of ideals, ideas, values and ways of thinking through compelling storylines.”
What are the television show/s – cable or broadcast – best embrace diversity?
I personally love Shonda Rhimes and believe that her shows, in addition to showcasing powerhouse women, exemplify worlds that are created by embracing diversity. She puts cultural, racial and gender diversity front and center and tackles diversity of ideals, ideas, values and ways of thinking through compelling storylines. I haven’t missed an episode of Grey’s Anatomy since it started and the same is true for “Scandal.” I also love “New Girl” starting Zooey Deschanel. The backgrounds of the cast members make every show entertaining. When my daughter was little, I loved watching “Dora the Explorer” and “Go Diego Go” with her and of course, the always popular “Sesame Street,” which helped me learn English when I first moved to the United States.
My personal election campaign slogan would be…
We have the choice to build each other up or tear each other down. The choice we make now is the legacy we leave our children and grandchildren. Choose!
Favorite charity organization you work with?
I’m on the Board of Girls Inc. of Pinellas, a chapter of the national organization by the same name. I love the work that this agency is doing to support girls through their mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. The message is empowering and the programs ensure that girls have the opportunity to participate in after school and summer programs that challenge them, encourage them, teach them and support their development towards independence and self reliance.
