Meet Our Community Relations Managers – Teresa Martinez

Tell us about your role.

As Manager of Community Relations in Niagara, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the Niagara Power Vista – the largest of NYPA’s four Visitors Centers. I manage staff, daily attendance, events, promotion, exhibits and collaborative program development.

How did you get started professionally?

From childhood, I wanted to be a journalist. I began as a news clerk at an Ohio paper and rose to Managing Editor at a New York paper – without having completed my college degree.

From there, I became an Executive Director of a new transitional housing program in Niagara Falls with a goal of assisting homeless women and women with children gain self-sufficiency. At this point, I learned about the opportunity at NYPA and applied. Later, I went back to school to finish my Bachelor of Science degree.

What attracted you to NYPA?

The position at NYPA offered a perfect blend of fun and purpose. I can use our events and programs to attract and inform communities with moderate to little access to state-of-the-art programs and interactive activities.

What do you like best about working here?

I love interacting with people and the opportunity to connect with the public and my colleagues provides me a great deal of fulfillment.

Every day, I see guests laughing at the sight of their hair standing up due to our Van de Graaff generator or when they ride our virtual roller coaster.

What is something special or unique about your Visitor Center and/or region?

I get to work at New York State’s largest clean energy producer! We have a picturesque view, 350 feet above the Niagara River gorge.

We offer a spectacular attraction for free! with radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology that allows guests to take their experiences home! We are a best kept secret attraction in Western New York. Tell your family and friends!

What is your favorite event that your Visitors Center conducts during the year?

I love all of our events because they are free to visitors.

However, my new favorite is our Green ‘n STEAM signature event which combines Earth Day and STEM activities. Our talented mechanics and electricians also share their skills with a young audience, some of whom may be deciding between college or the trades. They make a strong impact those who otherwise may never have considered this career path, just by helping them build a project or connect a circuit. How cool is that?

Who has been the greatest influence on your career?

My mom was the greatest influence on my life and career!

? As a struggling single mother of four, she had no college degree, worked two jobs and took whatever work she could find to improve her job skills – which taught me determination.

? We had fun on a penny budget – which taught me creativity.

? She always made sure we had a summer “vacation,” usually camping or swimming. I later found out she loathed outdoor activities and that taught me selflessness.

It’s amazing I have a job that provides a place for families to go and have free fun, together.

What would your colleagues be surprised to learn about you?

I used to live in low-income housing. That experience gives me insight when planning events for communities in need.