Olivia Martinez
Pronouns: she/her
Graduation year: BA 2020, MAT 2021
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Currently living in: Denver, Colorado
Current occupation: Manager of Community Programs at the Denver Art Museum
What was your experience at CC like as an Education major?
I loved the Education Department and being able to engage with many different teachers and students. I did the TREE Semester and interned at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at CC as an Education Intern. Although these may seem like separate experiences, they created a project-based learning environment that taught me so much through experience!
Why were you interested in focusing on Education as your major?
Going into CC I was thinking about becoming a classroom teacher, but after several classes, I realized that there were so many other forms of teaching that excited me, specifically educational institutions, like art centers, museums, and non-profits. I thought that the realm of education would help me with my understanding of how to engage and connect with people and communities. It also gave me insight into how public schools operate, ways of thinking, and various practicum strategies, which are all things and skills I try to use or connect with in my current position.
How are you using your major in your post-CC life?
I am currently the Manager of Community Programs at the Denver Art Museum, where I oversee a range of initiatives focused on expanding access to art and museum resources for communities that have historically been furthest from them. In this role, I work with students, artists, and families, drawing on my background in education and classroom experience, as well as my practice of culturally responsive pedagogy.
Previously, I served as the Youth Programs Manager at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, where I developed and managed teen internship programs. Before that, I was the Youth and Community Engagement Manager at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass Village, Colorado, where I directed a dynamic summer workshop series for children and led educational and community outreach initiatives throughout the academic year.
Throughout my career, I have continually drawn upon the experiences, knowledge, and skills I developed at Colorado College. I am deeply grateful for the foundation my time at CC provided, and for the ways it continues to shape my work as an educator and arts professional.