Iris Y. Martinez to Spearhead Northeastern Illinois University Commencement Address Ceremony

Iris Y. Martinez to Deliver Commencement Address

Iris Y. Martinez made history as the first Latina to serve in the Illinois State Senate and as the first Latina Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. She is set to deliver the Commencement Address at her alma mater, Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), on December 15, 2024. The event is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at Credit Union 1 Arena, located in the heart of Chicago.

This year's Commencement is particularly significant as it highlights the achievements of NEIU graduates and the ongoing commitment of the institution towards providing quality education to diverse student populations. Tickets for the ceremony are exclusively available to graduates and their guests, ensuring a personal and celebratory atmosphere. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed on the official NEIU website, neiu.edu/commencement.

Martinez exemplifies resilience and dedication to public service. While simultaneously serving as a State Senator and raising her daughter, Jacklyn Nicole, she earned her bachelor of arts degree from Northeastern's Nontraditional Degree Programs in 2009. Earlier this year, the university honored her as the 2024 Distinguished Alumna, the most prestigious recognition it offers to its graduates.

Under her leadership, several social initiatives were promoted, significantly impacting the state of Illinois. President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan of Northeastern Illinois University praised Martinez's unwavering commitment to critical issues such as affordable housing, accessible healthcare, enhanced care for seniors and disabled individuals, and educational reforms. Her efforts in advocating for the Grow Your Own Illinois initiative have empowered individuals seeking to teach within their communities, while supporting the Golden Apple Scholars Program helps recruit and prepare educators for high-need areas in Illinois.

Martinez has also made strides in ensuring that courtroom proceedings are accessible to all. Her legislation has improved services for those who may struggle with language or hearing disabilities, allowing them to receive assistance from interpreters when needed. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of communication by ensuring healthcare facilities providing services to Medicaid patients develop comprehensive language assistance programs.

In her role as Clerk, Martinez made it a priority to modernize court operations through the use of technology. With an eye towards transparency and public safety, she implemented several measures during the COVID-19 pandemic to safeguard the community. Notably, she played a pivotal role in championing laws that protect the identities of victims of sex crimes, ensuring that their privacy remains intact.

Martinez’s dedication to uniting the Latino community in combating the effects of the pandemic led to the establishment of Illinois Unidos, an organization bringing together over 200 Latino leaders. Through collaborative efforts, they worked to provide essential resources and support during a time of great need.

Apart from her impactful work in Illinois politics, Martinez served as President of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, further amplifying the voice of the Latino community on state matters. She has also held significant roles within the Democratic Party of Illinois, including the position of State Central Committeewoman for the 4th Congressional District and Democratic Committeeperson for Chicago’s 33rd Ward.

The upcoming Commencement Address by Iris Y. Martinez is expected to inspire NEIU graduates as she shares her journey, highlighting both challenges and triumphs on the path to success. It serves as a reminder of the importance of education and civic engagement in shaping a brighter future for individuals and their communities.