Alexia Martinez

Alexia Martinez is an M.A. student in political science at Columbia University, focusing on international relations. Her research interests center on religion, ethnicity, and political identity, with particular attention to how religion shapes the strategies and behavior of political elites in Latin America and the United States.

Ms. Martinez earned a B.A. in political science from Baylor University, with minors in legal reasoning and analysis and child and family studies. As a McNair Scholar, she conducted original qualitative research and presented nationally, including at the McNair National Conference and the FIU McNair National Conference. Her project, Manteniendo Raíces: Latinx Protestant Churches Preserving Latinx Cultural and Ethnic Ties in the United States, explored the intersections of faith and ethnic identity within immigrant communities.

Her academic achievements have been recognized with awards such as the HOPE (Hispanas for Political Equality) Scholarship and membership in Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. She has also received multiple grants and fellowships supporting her research and conference participation both in the U.S. and abroad.

Beyond her research, Ms. Martinez is deeply committed to service and outreach. She has held leadership roles in Baylor Student Government, served as a First in Line Ambassador supporting first-generation students, and volunteered with organizations including the Family Abuse Center and the Trauma Advocacy Center. She has also led ministry programs and mentored undergraduate women in faith-based settings.

At Columbia, Ms. Martinez continues to advance her commitment to scholarship and community engagement with the goal of pursuing a career at the intersection of political research, advocacy, law, and policy. She has gained experience as a legal intern with the City of Abilene and as a research scholar at Baylor University. She is also a member of the Columbia University Dance Team, reflecting her dedication to the university community.