By Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez
For Latina Leadership Initiative of Greater Des Moines director Socorro Martinez, leadership isn’t just a title—it’s a lifelong calling rooted in service, identity, and community.
Just five months into her role, Martinez is already shaping a powerful vision: one where Latinas are seen, supported, and unapologetically empowered to grow.
From Translator to Advocate
Martinez’s story begins in a family grounded in sacrifice and hope. Born near Chicago to Mexican parents and raised in Norwalk, she grew up navigating two worlds—one rich in culture at home, and another where that same culture often made her stand out.
“I definitely grew up in a bubble,” she recalls.
Like many first-generation Latinas, Martinez stepped into responsibility early. Long before it became her profession, she served as her parents’ interpreter—at doctor’s appointments, in restaurants, and in everyday life. That experience didn’t just shape her skills; it shaped her purpose.
Today, with more than 20 years as a professional interpreter, Martinez continues to amplify voices—but now, she’s doing it on a much larger scale.
“What started as helping my family became something much deeper,” she says. “It’s about connection, dignity, and making sure our community is heard.”
A Sisterhood That Finds You
Martinez often says she didn’t find the Latina Leadership Initiative—it found her.
In 2023, she answered a call for applications on social media and joined the program. What she discovered was more than mentorship—it was transformation.
Inspired by the ambition and resilience of her mentee, Martinez saw firsthand what happens when Latinas are given space to grow.
“I think about the courage it takes just to walk into a room like this,” she says. “That first step matters—and it deserves to be celebrated.”
Founded in 2013 by a visionary group of Latina leaders, LLI has grown into a thriving network of more than 100 alumni, each with a story of growth, rediscovery, and leadership.
At its core, Martinez says, the program is about one thing: sisterhood.
“It’s warm. It’s real. It’s a place where you don’t have to explain who you are—you’re already understood.”
Claiming Space—Without Permission
In a world where representation still lags behind reality, Martinez is clear about her mission: Latinas deserve to take up space—not someday, but now.
“There’s a lot happening around us that can create fear and uncertainty,” she says. “But spaces like LLI remind us that we are not alone.”
While Latinos are often recognized as one of the fastest-growing populations in the country, Martinez points out that visibility—especially in professional spaces—still falls short.
She knows what it feels like to be the only Latina in the room. But she’s committed to making sure the next generation doesn’t have to carry that same weight.
And her message is powerful in its simplicity:
You don’t have to be a CEO to matter.
You don’t have to fit a mold to belong.
What you bring is already enough.
An Invitation to Grow
Through its annual leadership program—held each year from January through May—LLI continues to open doors for Latinas ready to invest in their personal and professional growth.
While the 2026 cohort is currently underway, opportunities to connect remain open through community events, mentorship, and leadership roles.
For Martinez, the invitation is simple but meaningful:
“Take the step. Apply. Show up. And most importantly—keep claiming your space.”
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