Her Story
About Larissa
Larissa Martinez serves as founder of the Circle of Arms nonprofit based in San Antonio, Texas. She launched the organization six and a half years ago to deliver accessible mental health resources, a daily food pantry serving Bexar County, and medical transportation services including escorts for sedation appointments. Martinez oversees volunteer management, advocacy programs, education initiatives, partnering, and fundraising while also maintaining active roles as commissioner on the Veterans Advisory Commission and the Citizens Advisory Action Board. She earned her Master's in Legal Studies with a concentration in employment law in August of last year and previously accumulated eight and a half years of nursing experience in the military followed by work in banking and business development for small contracting businesses. Additional credentials include certification as a Mental Health First Aid Facilitator, a Victim's Advocate Certificate, Mental Health Peer Specialist designation, and Mediator training. Martinez received the Sean D. Kennedy Award of Excellence in Empathy and Innovation from the Texas Business Hall of Fame approximately one and a half years ago.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Larissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I believe that I've always been just a resilient... I had to survive... after failed relationships... my husband... for the past 16 and a half years... he is like my rock... my family has definitely been the motivating factor... along with myself... turning that survivor into thriver... a few mentors... I have a girl tribe... my circle is very small, but I can rely on these friends whenever.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice that I received is Stop doubting yourself as far as my worth and my skills. Even if somebody tells you no, that doesn't mean that You stop, because so many doors will close before one will eventually open, and the one that is that opens for you is the one that was meant for you. So, to see those missed opportunities, or those doors that closed, or, you know, don't take it as failure, take it as it just is not meant for you at this time.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say that Be sure to Connect with the right people, Don't Be afraid to take risk. And and don't be afraid to fail, because not every idea we have is meant to grow, but it's meant to lead you to the next big idea... just believe in yourself... surround yourself with a tribe... heal from any trauma, hurt, because we really can't pour into a Business, or a job... if we are not pouring into ourselves, and that is mentally and physically.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say, right now, the biggest funding and challenges would be just, like, funding... it's hard to stand out... the amount of volunteers... volunteering now is a lot different... unless the company is willing... to pay the their employee volunteer time. A lot of volunteers may not have that time to give to nonprofits anymore.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think transparency... transparent with somebody, whether it be in my job, or within my friend group, or my family... I also hold value to my family... I don't work to live, I live to work... if at the end of the day, my family needed me home... time... my faith... is really strong as far as how it leads me, how I move, and how I push forward with what I want to do.
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