Viri Martinez (she/they) is the Manager of Member Empowerment at the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ). Martinez supports NJAIJ’s members and the larger immigrant justice movement through capacity-building efforts, and by providing resources that empower communities. Prior to becoming a staff member, Martinez was a Policy Intern with NJAIJ where they were responsible for policy research, monitoring state legislative activity, and uplifting the work of coalition members. Martinez studied Public Policy and Latino & Caribbean Studies at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, and is also a proud graduate of Raritan Valley Community College.

  • Being in community and in relationship with immigrant folk grounds me in the fight for immigrant justice. I want the very best for the people I love and the people in my community, and that means ensuring that there are policies that protect and empower immigrants.

  • My favorite NJAIJ memory was recruiting artists to make posters for our 2022 Immigrant Heritage Month rally. It was a lovely experience getting to work with artists that have beautiful creative visions.

  • My favorite book is Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson and Dominicana by Angie Cruz