NHHI Spotlight – Alondra Martinez

Tell us about yourself.

I am a proud New Haven resident and New Haven Promise Scholar. I began my career at Yale as an intern with the New Haven Hiring Initiative team. I quickly integrated into the Yale community and spent the next two years in Yale Human Resources with the Talent Acquisition department. Today, I am a Senior Administrative Assistant at the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at the Yale School of Medicine. Outside of my professional endeavors, I am an avid boulderer and hiker, finding joy in nature alongside cherishing moments with loved ones.

Tell us about your job search experience.

Participating in programs like New Haven Promise and New Haven Works has deeply enriched my job search experience. As a recent college graduate, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to intern with the New Haven Hiring Initiative in the summer of 2022. This experience provided me with invaluable professional growth, allowing me to develop skills and expertise that continue to shape my career journey.

During my internship, I had the privilege of spearheading the organization and execution of Yale’s 2022 Intern Day celebration, bringing together over 75 New Haven Promise Scholars from across the university. This hands-on experience in event coordination honed my organizational abilities and instilled in me a passion for facilitating meaningful connections and experiences.

Now, as a Senior Administrative Assistant with the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at the Yale School of Medicine, I draw upon my diverse background in event coordination to effectively support my team in administering multiple programs each month. My time with the New Haven Hiring Initiative team equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in this role, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the DEI initiatives at the heart of our institution.

Tell us about your current roles at Yale.

I support the initiatives implemented by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Yale School of Medicine and work closely with the Associate Dean, Dr. Karina Gonzalez-Herrera. I manage her calendar and serve as a liaison for the Yale Biological & Biomedical Sciences Diversity and Inclusion Collective (YBDIC). and ensure the seamless planning and execution of events catering to a diverse group of MdPhd students of 30 to 100 attendees. My experience as a New Haven Promise intern laid the groundwork for me to cultivate confidence and resourcefulness, empowering me to independently facilitate these gatherings with expertise.

What advice do you have for other job seekers?

If you qualify for the New Haven Works program, please use it! I want to give a shout-out to my NHW job coach (Jenny Perez), who worked with me and shared insightful interview and resume preparation tips.

What is next for you?

My next steps involve furthering my professional journey with the Yale School of Medicine, where I aim to continue growing and making meaningful contributions. Additionally, I’m considering the prospect of pursuing a master’s in marketing or an MBA to expand my skill set and deepen my expertise. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and am eager to embrace the challenges and successes that the future holds.