Her Story
About Dahlia
Dahlia Martinez is an Environmental Scientist with Tetra Tech, where she supports environmental consulting projects focused on environmental health and safety, regulatory compliance, site assessments, remediation, and sustainability initiatives. Early in her career, she has already gained experience across environmental science disciplines, including air quality, groundwater modeling, environmental compliance, and environmental stewardship. Passionate about protecting both people and the environment, Martinez is committed to developing practical, science-based solutions that promote long-term sustainability.
Before joining Tetra Tech, Martinez built a strong foundation through internships and research opportunities that provided hands-on experience in environmental compliance, conservation, and public outreach. As an Operations Intern with Voith Paper, she helped improve recycling processes, environmental compliance, and workplace sustainability initiatives. She also served as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at Kennesaw State University, conducting soil sampling, laboratory research, and environmental data analysis, while earlier internships with Citizens' Climate Lobby and local Parks and Recreation programs strengthened her skills in environmental advocacy, conservation, and community engagement. Martinez earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Kennesaw State University in 2024 and is an active member of the Georgia Association of Environmental Professionals.
Martinez credits her mother for encouraging her to pursue higher education and inspiring her to build a career in environmental science. She values honesty, professionalism, patience, and effective communication, recognizing that collaboration and persistence are essential to achieving meaningful environmental outcomes. Guided by the philosophy that "it is better to prevent than to restore," she encourages young women entering the traditionally male-dominated environmental field to maintain confidence, establish strong professional boundaries, and approach every opportunity with a positive attitude. Looking ahead, she sees tremendous opportunity in the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science, which allows professionals to pursue diverse career paths across government, private industry, conservation, and research while making a lasting impact on the environment.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dahlia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say my mom, she's definitely always pushed us to be educated and to get a degree.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
It's better to prevent than it is to restore. And that goes for, like, environmental and in careers. That was my professor.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Because it is so male-based. It's predominantly men. And, like, the people that we also encounter just go in with a can-do attitude and make sure that you're going in with a positive demeanor. Not, like, submissive or any sort, just be respectful. As soon as you're respectful, the men will also be respectful. But it's good to set good boundaries.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It's more of people not communicating. And also People really do only focus on the money. You can't really let that affect you. Yeah, a lot of the projects, it's really hard to see through people when all they're focusing on is, like, the money, and its like, that's really not the focus here. Like, you guys messed up, and were trying to fix it. Its such a, like, interdisciplinary career. Its so broad that you really can focus on any sort of career. Like, if you find anything in the government, something private, or if you choose to focus on a specific animal, you can, without having to go back to school.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
So, for work and personal life, I would say honesty goes a long way. The professionalism in your words. You can say no without just saying no. And then, another value patience, for sure. Like, regardless of whether we like it or not, a lot of this in life and in the field, its, its a patient waiting game.
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