Born in New York City and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Jissell Martinez is an inspirational leader and administrator specializing in human and financial resource management and community engagement. Jissell is the Business Administrator at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Delaware where she manages all human resources and financial matters. In 2015, Jissell was appointed Chief Diversity Advocate for the College of Arts and Sciences, a role that allows her to coordinate efforts for faculty, students and staff related to recruitment, retention, campus climate and community engagement. Jissell previously worked for the State of Delaware’s Office of Management and Budget as Senior Fiscal and Policy Analyst, where she served as a subject matter expert and provided budgetary expertise regarding the Judiciary Branch, Department of Corrections, and other criminal justice agencies to former Cabinet Secretary Ann Visalli. As the co-founder and leader of the Delaware chapter of the nonprofit fitness and running group, Latinas In Motion Inc., Jissell encourages, inspires and empowers women to make fitness an everyday part of a healthy lifestyle. In recognition for her leadership and service, the Delaware’s Commission for Women selected Jissell as the recipient of the inaugural 2015 “She’s On Her Way” Award. Jissell Martinez earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration from the University of Delaware and is a Certified Personal Trainer.