Paola Martinez is director of strategic program development and special initiatives for the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. Previously, she served as director of local government and legislative affairs for the State University of New York (SUNY). Prior to working at SUNY, she was director of social services and community engagement for Catholic Charities at the Betances Houses in the South Bronx. She oversaw a portfolio of 41 buildings and approximately 3,000 residents, making it the largest New York City Housing Authority development and only the second in New York City to participate in the Rental Assistance Demonstration program. Prior to this role, Martinez served as program manager and policy analyst for the New York City Department of Small Business Services, the NYC Commission on Human Rights, and the New York City Council. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the City College of New York and a Master of Science in urban policy and leadership from the Hunter College Graduate School of Planning and Policy.