Hi, my name is Cindy Martinez Garza, and I was born and raised here in Lubbock, Texas. I have an Associate’s degree in Child Development from South Plains College, and a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Texas Tech University in Human Development and Family Studies. At Texas Tech I collaborated with other former foster youth to create the Tech Foster Youth Organization. I completed a research study on foster youth who have aged out of foster care and their relationships with caregivers for my Master’s Thesis.
Over the years I have worked with children and youth in different settings providing direct care, tutoring, and case management with foster youth. I have been able to share my story and experiences with youth to show them they can reach their goals. At the Buckner FYi Center as a case manager I served youth by helping them with their needs as young adults varying from education and financial needs to finding housing and resources in the community.
My passion has been to inspire youth to overcome obstacles and to dream as big as they can about their futures. I am so excited for my journey as a Youth Prevention Specialist.