Elizabeth Martinez has served two consecutive terms on the HSD board. Born in Ameca, Jalisco, Mexico, she was brought to the United States at the age of two by her parents who immigrated and established roots in Hollister. A self-described English learner, as a teen she worked picking cherries, walnuts and apricots until she married her high school sweetheart at the age of 18. Now married for 33 years to her husband who has worked at HSD for 32 years, she has two sons, two daughters-in-law and six grandchildren.

For the last 19 years, Martinez has worked at San Benito High School, currently in the Migrant Education Program. In addition, she is president of the California School Employees Association (CSEA) chapter 173. She cites her experience as a classified employee, serving on the CSEA executive board for the past 16 years, as well as her personal connection to Hollister, as vital to her decision making.