First Voice Generation Documentary

Cynthia Martinez will share a personal and powerful message rooted in her experience growing up as a Mexican-American child in Holland, Michigan—a community deeply connected to its Dutch heritage. Her early struggles with identity and belonging led her to a career in storytelling, journalism, and filmmaking, with a focus on amplifying underrepresented voices.

Her award-winning documentary film, First Voice Generation, follows the journeys of first-generation students working to overcome the barriers to higher education—stories that reflect Cynthia’s path and the realities faced by many in our community; talent and big dreams are evident, but opportunity, representation, and awareness are not. That work ultimately inspired her to run for, and win, a seat on the local school board, where she now serves as a trustee. Her mission to strive for equity in education isn’t just a goal, but a priority in all that she does.