Dr. Maribel Martinez brings over two decades of dedicated service to Lynwood Unified School District, where she has excelled as a teacher, school administrator and district leader. Most recently serving as Director of Student Services, Dr. Martinez has led transformative initiatives in student wellness, mental health, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and equity-focused programs for foster and homeless youth. She has also overseen major grants, including a $24.5 million California Community Schools Partnership Program, significantly expanding resources for students and families.
Her leadership has been recognized with multiple Golden Bell Awards from the California School Boards Association, as well as state and national honors for innovative work in health, wellness, safety and youth development. She also spearheaded Lynwood Unified’s award-winning podcast Beyond the Classroom, engaging families through conversations on health and wellness.
Dr. Martinez began her career at Lynwood Middle School as a teacher before advancing to roles including Assistant Principal, Principal of Vista High School and Coordinator of Student Services. Dr. Martinez has dedicated her career to strengthening systems that uplift students, families and educators.
She earned her Doctor of Education from the University of Southern California, where her research focused on the power of leadership to drive educational equity and systemic change. Dr. Martinez is deeply passionate about the transformative role of leadership and its ability to inspire excellence, innovation and lasting student success.
Beyond her work in Lynwood Unified, Dr. Martinez serves as a Board Member for Masada Community Mental Health Services and the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation, extending her commitment to supporting student and family well-being throughout the community.
