Former student graduates to director job

By Noetta Harjo, News Writing Student

From student to college administrator, Jessica Martinez-Brooks has come a long way in a short time.

Martinez-Brooks, 29, was appointed to Director of Community Outreach on Nov. 13.

She said the position would give her the opportunity to increase the college’s role in Oklahoma City communities.

“The position has a lot to do with non-profit community organizations,” said Martinez-Brooks. “I like to work with the community and I think the college has a wonderful relationship with organizations in the area.

“I really want to see how we can play a bigger role and how we can help.”

Martinez-Brooks currently is involved in senior citizens outreach activities, such as putting computers in housing units and teaching seniors to use those computers.

Community Outreach also works with English as a Second Language programs.

In May, Martinez-Brooks was recognized as one of Oklahoma City’s Achievers Under 40.

“It’s so nice to be recognized,” she said. “I think OCCC is a wonderful place. I’m lucky to be here.

“The college is my home away from home.”

Martinez-Brooks was a journalism student and former Pioneer editor at OCCC, graduating with an associate degree in 1997.

She later graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

Martinez-Brooks worked at Oklahoma City University as an editorial services assistant for one year before accepting the position of OCCC public relations staff writer in 2001.

She later became Media Relations Coordinator.

Martinez-Brooks has worked with numerous people at OCCC, from students to the president.

She said her favorite part about the Media Relations Coordinator position was working with the different departments on campus.

“It amazes me how much the college is involved in the community,” she said.

Martinez-Brooks also serves as the sponsor for the Hispanic Organization to Promote Education, assisting students with club activities.

“Jessica definitely deserves the promotion,” said Rocky Chavez, HOPE member and public relations major.

“She has always been an inspiration in everything she does and everything that she is involved in. I really don’t see how she does it all.”

Martinez-Brooks is currently working on a project that involves recording Oklahoma’s history through the eyes of its senior citizens.

She said she hopes to use the material in a project for Oklahoma’s centennial celebration.

She also recently took on the role of professor, filling in for Mass Media Communications professor Gwin Faulconer-Lippert, who was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this semester.

Martinez-Brooks stepped in to teach Faulconer-Lippert’s Introduction to Public Relations class.

She said it’s a good opportunity to see if teaching is something she might want to do in the future.

“There’s a special place in heaven for teachers,” she said.