"When my children were exposed to harmful chemicals at their elementary school, I realized how urgent it was to protect our kids and families from environmental hazards. That experience led me to organize our community, shut down a dangerous company, and fight for School Safe Zones, pollution monitoring, and stronger protections against toxic waste. Every child in District 9 deserves to learn and grow in a healthy, safe environment, and I will keep fighting to make that a reality."

Martha became a vocal community organizer after uncovering environmental hazards near her children’s school. Her leadership fueled an eight-year campaign that ultimately shut down a dangerous company, protecting the health of students and families. Building on this experience, she now advocates for the creation of “School Safe Zones” across District 9, with real-time air quality monitoring, stricter pollution controls, and educational programs.

Martha also champions a Community Right to Know, ensuring residents have access to pollution data and potential health risks, while proposing a local environmental watchdog group to monitor compliance. She takes a Zero Tolerance approach to toxic waste, calling for stronger penalties for illegal dumping and stricter enforcement of environmental laws. In addition, Martha supports Industry Accountability, creating plans to make local industry responsible for their emissions and assisting businesses in transitioning to cleaner energy practices. By combining grassroots activism, policy advocacy, and community education, Martha works to ensure that every child in District 9 can learn and grow in a healthy, safe environment while promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future.