Alba Martinez is set to resign from her role as Philadelphia Commerce Director in May after 16 months in her role, writes Sean Collins Walsh for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Her next career venture will see her work on producing a musical for “La Guagua 47.” The project, which saw its official debut in 2022, highlights the vibrant Latino communities within Philadelphia.
Martinez is the first Latina commerce director and one of the highest-ranking LGBTQ city officials in Philadelphia history.
As she prepares to leave her post, Mayor Cherelle Parker praised Martinez for “her dedication and creativity” and being “a true partner in driving our economic opportunity agenda.”
Martinez, meanwhile, called her role as commerce director “one of the greatest honors of my career.”
In addition, she noted that she will remain involved as a member of the city’s business community and continue championing Mayor Parker’s agenda.
While she spent the majority of her career in the nonprofit sector, her experience in the corporate world came from her longtime role at Vanguard.
Martinez’s transition to restarting her work with “La Guagua 47” is an homage to her initial journey coming to Philadelphia from Puerto Rico.
Upon her arrival, the 47 SEPTA bus opened her world to the city’s Puerto Rican community.
Read more about Alba Martinez’s imminent departure from Philly government and her next venture in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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