Laura Martinez is the current Executive Director of NAMI-KDK (National Alliance on Mental Illness – Kane-south, Dekalb and Kendall Counties). She is a passionate advocate for children and mental health. For nine years, Laura has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
Laura is the creator of SHINE (Support for Healthcare Interpreters & Network Enhancement).
Laura’s experience serving the community includes a 15-year tenure with AMITA Mercy Medical Center as Supervisor of Interpreting and Translating Services and Language Access to Healthcare Program. While at AMITA Health, she served as Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Vice Chair of the Patient and Family Experience Council, and as a member of the Foundation Special Events Committee.
Laura’s community involvement includes:
• Compañeros en Salud (Partners in Health)
• United Way
• Latino Resource Council
• Dominican Literacy
• Waubonsee Community College
• Interpreting Leadership Council