Christabel Martinez
Christabel Martinez is an accomplished Chief Program Officer at HEAF, Inc., where she provides strategic leadership and oversight for programs spanning middle school through college success in New York City. Over the course of eight years in the nonprofit sector, she has progressed from Program Manager to her current executive role, consistently demonstrating her ability to translate operational directives into actionable strategies, foster high-performing teams, and drive meaningful outcomes for youth. Her expertise encompasses strategic program development, leadership cultivation, and the creation of pathways that expand college and career opportunities for students, particularly in Harlem.
Throughout her tenure at HEAF, Christabel has spearheaded initiatives that directly impact over 250 students across multiple sites, including service-learning trips, college tours, and after-school programs ranging from STEM and cooking to podcasting and social-emotional learning. She has successfully built partnerships with more than seven schools, developing biweekly workshops that enhance college awareness, career exposure, and holistic student development. Her leadership approach is rooted in equity, access, and opportunity, ensuring programs are both effective and inclusive, with a remarkable 100% student graduation rate under her guidance.
Beyond her professional achievements, Christabel is passionate about personal growth, cultural exploration, and community service. An urban planning graduate from Binghamton University, she continues her academic journey through an accelerated MBA program while enhancing her leadership skills through certification programs sponsored by JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley. An adventurous spirit and self-described adrenaline seeker, she enjoys travel, cultural immersion, and hands-on community engagement, bringing the same curiosity and drive to her professional work as she does to her personal pursuits.
• CPR/AED/First Aid
• Binghamton University - B.A.
• Academic Achievement Award
• Senior Service Award
• Deans' List
• BU: Transfer Student Organization
• JUMP Nation
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is securing adequate funding to support schools, students, and teachers. At the same time, funding presents a tremendous opportunity: it allows us to provide the tools and resources necessary to serve our community effectively, particularly in areas facing economic disparities. Ensuring equitable access to these resources is critical to creating meaningful, lasting impact.