Caring for Everyone Like Family – Angelina Martinez
Over the years, history has seen countless incredible women throughout the world and even locally.
I am talking about the kind of inspirational, powerful sheroes who shook up the world as we know it, a woman admired and idealized for her courage, outstanding achievements, noble qualities; and generous soul - that is Angelina Martinez. This woman was a great friend to many and a mentor to myself and others. I respected her so much that I titled her the classy Puerto Rican Jackie O, a title she shared with my mother. Angelina always inspired us to strive to make our mark on the world and find inspiration in many women who shifted our culture in meaningful ways. As one of the only remaining trailblazers of her era, the iconic and sophisticated Angelina continues to be lauded for her contributions to the community.
The story began long ago when Manny and Angelina Martinez founded Utopia Home Care in 1983 after Mr. Martinez was downsized from his position as a systems analyst. Manny had long thought of operating a home healthcare business, and Angelina wanted him to get something of his own. Once again Angelina acted selflessly by reflecting “I wanted to help him get something of his own.” It was then they decided that the first spouse to find a good job would take it, and leave the other to run their fledgling business. So, Angelina took the Civil Service exam and was soon hired by the Department of Social Services in Hauppauge.
What began as one family’s dream grew into a family-run business that was anything but small. And yet, it was made possible by a simple pact between Manny and Angelina Martinez. Facing the daunting challenge and significant risk of establishing a business, they also placed a priority on providing necessities such as insurance for their children.
While supporting and raising a family of four, a struggling home business, and a full-time job Angelina decided to act on her ambition to become a therapist. While working in the area, she began taking social work classes at Adelphi’s Hauppauge extension site and earned her B.S.W. in 1990. That September, she became a caseworker for Child Protective Services.
Shortly thereafter, in 1993, she earned her M.S.W. from Adelphi and began working as a bereavement counselor with South Shore Hospice. “Most people think this is tough work,” she says. But, for her, it was a labor of love. “We were able to help people move through very difficult times in their lives,” Angelina remembers helping one hospice patient who was so terrified of death that she refused to leave her chair and go to bed. Ms. Martinez and the hospice team worked tirelessly to help her accept her condition, and provide peaceful final months for her and her family.
In 1996, with Utopia Home Care flourishing, Mrs. Martinez re-joined the rest of her family and fulfilled her lifelong goal of being a therapist with her own practice. Her child and family counseling practice were located at Utopia’s headquarters. By then Many was the firm’s president, and Angelina was secretary/treasurer. The business now also included their three sons, Manuel, David, and Paul and their daughter Diane, who were all Vice Presidents and college educated with backgrounds in business, education, social work, and public health administration.
One family’s dream had grown into a family-run business that was anything but small, yet, it was made possible by a simple pact between Manny and Angelina. Facing the daunting challenges and significant risk of establishing a business, they also placed a priority on providing necessities to their family and many families in need.
Since its establishment Utopia has employed over 1,400 people in New York, Connecticut, Florida and Puerto Rico. It also was one of the largest minorities owned business on Long Island, and ranked as one of the region’s fastest-growing businesses.
Angelina’s years of dedication have been honored repeatedly. She has been president of the National Association of Puerto Rican and Hispanic Social Workers since 1999 and was honored as “Social Worker of the Year” in 1998. She is also a member of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, and was awarded the honor of “Woman of the Year in 1996.” She was a member of the Child Care Council of Suffolk County and received the “American Hispanic Woman Leadership Award” from the Suffolk County Executive Hispanic Advisory Board.
Mrs. Martinez is now retired and living and enjoying life with her family. She is committed to bettering the lives of children and is a strong advocate of education at all levels. She and her husband live in Northport and enjoy spending time with their eight grandchildren. They frequently travel to South America with the Amigos de la Zarzuela, a group that supports Spanish operetta.
Profiles in Success Program:
Given our Alumni connection as alumna of Adelphi, the following questions were asked of Angelina back when she became a Member of Adelphi University’s Profiles in Success program.
Positions: Therapist, Utopia Home Care, Department of Social Services, Child Protective Services
Favorite Professor: Irene Lapidis
Chose Adelphi for: Its strong social work program and flexible schedules
Recipient of: “Distinguished Alumna Award” from the Adelphi University Multicultural Alumni Chapter at the second annual Latino Dinner Dance in 2005
Advice to Adelphi students: “Take advantage of internships and field placements. There is no substitute for experience.”
--
Written by Lynda Ayala-Perdomo