M. Terese Martinez

M. Terese Martinez (she/her/hers), a native of Chicago, graduated from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Latina/Latino Studies.

Before becoming a paralegal at Bielski Chapman in 2021, Terese interned with the Humanities Research Institute. While there, Terese participated in a symposium to present her research on First-Generation Latin Men and their trials in relation to the Criminal Justice System in Large Cities. Terese was the president of the University of Illinois’ Latino Student Association, which fostered community among young Latine students and created a space for educational and political talks, comfort among familiar faces, and most importantly, friendships. Terese is passionate about giving back to the Latine community and works avidly on whatever she can to do so. While in university, Terese loved to keep busy with many activities such as supervising the front desks of University Housing, managing and coaching the IBC boxing team, and being a member of Alpha Pi Sigma, Inc.

In her free time, Terese enjoys training, going to the gym, spending time with her dog and family, and getting lost in the world of books. Terese is devoted to helping the underrepresented Latine community and intends to find an internship where she can give back to the Latine community through representation in the criminal justice system.

In the near future, Terese intends to go to law school, continue in higher education, and eventually obtain her Ph.D. 

*Latine: All-encompassing term of the Latina/Latino/Latin@ community to accommodate all pronouns while in respect to the native language and the way in which it is direct in masculine and feminine nouns, respecting the identity of individuals.