A Life of Courage, Love, and Service
Gone too soon, but never forgotten.On the evening of September 18, 2018, Wendy Martinez stepped out for an early evening run and never returned home. She was 35 years old—newly engaged, training to qualify for the Boston Marathon, and planning a future filled with love, faith, and service. Her life was taken by a senseless act of violence just steps from her home in Washington, D.C., leaving behind a profound grief and a silence felt by everyone who knew her.
Wendy’s life, though far too short, was extraordinary in its depth and impact. Born in Managua, Nicaragua and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, she excelled academically from an early age—earning Honor Roll recognition, the Presidential Award, earning her bachelor in International Relations Affairs from The Florida Atlantic University and later, graduating with a Master’s degree in Latin American Studies from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Her passion for global service led her to work with the Nicaraguan Embassy, USAID’s Human Rights Office in Colombia, the Organization of American States, and the Inter-American Development Bank, where she championed sustainability, human rights, and economic development in emerging economies. She also was an intern at the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute - CHLI - where she became the co-founder of CHLII’s Alumni Association.
Never afraid to step outside her comfort zone, Wendy later brought her global perspective into the technology sector, joining the FiscalNote Team, where her humility, leadership, and tireless work ethic led her to become Chief of Staff. There, she helped shape a culture of corporate citizenship and service that remains part of her professional legacy. Above all, Wendy was a woman of faith, a devoted daughter, sister, friend, and partner, and a passionate runner who found community and healing through movement. Though her life ended too soon, Wendy’s accomplishments, values, and love live on through the Wendy Martinez Legacy Project—continuing to inspire others to serve boldly, lead with compassion, and live with purpose."
