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Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Patti Martinez
Role: Student Success Coordinator for Leeds Graduate Programs
Hometown: Longmont, Colorado

You’ve been at Leeds for nearly three years as a student success coordinator. What keeps you motivated and excited to come to work every day?
The people. I’m lucky to be surrounded by an incredible network—whether it’s my co-workers (shoutout to Grad Student Services!) or the students. There’s a constant stream of friendly faces, meaningful conversations and fun projects that keep my work dynamic. The people I interact with every day make this role rewarding.Ìý

How do you define success—both for the students you support and for yourself personally?
At Leeds, one of the most impactful opportunities we offer is helping students grow their networks, build their personal brands, and learn how to market themselves. It’s incredible to watch them arrive with a dream and graduate with the skills and confidence to bring those ideas to life. In my role, success is seeing students actively engage in the programming and extracurricular opportunities available to them. It’s rewarding to see them fully embrace and enjoy the experience together before they go off to live their lives.

Outside of Leeds, you’ve worked with young students. How has that experience shaped your dream of becoming a speech pathologist?
I've been fortunate to work with students across many stages of life—from early intervention to graduate students—and I have found the student-facing aspects of my roles the most fulfilling. Working with children highlighted the importance of supporting students during critical developmental stages. While I currently help adults prepare for life beyond school, the idea of returning to the elementary level to help young students build foundational communication skills is incredibly meaningful to me. At their core, both roles are about empowerment—helping individuals express themselves, be understood and move forward with confidence.

You became a homeowner last year. What makes you feel most at home?
Becoming a homeowner felt like my biggest ‘Wow, I’m an adult’ moment’ yet. Nothing beats a quiet evening at home. My cat, Meowsie, insists on being involved in all cozy activities, and my partner, Eric, completes the scene by delivering snacks. Cozy, calm, and well-fed—that’s our home.

ÌýThere’s a constant stream of friendly faces, meaningful conversations and fun projects that keep my work dynamic. The people I interact with every day make this role rewarding.Ìý