From the Big Top to the classroom, this aerial acrobat shares her passion for the circus and her dedication to teaching and researching organizational communication.
Laura Martinez is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies in the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs. She examines communication structures among organizational teams to better understand how identity and different cultural backgrounds play a role in the way people communicate.
Inspiration
Laura draws her personal and professional inspiration from art. “I’ve performed aerial acrobatics for about 10 years. Doing work with circus communities has been a main focus in my life — in terms of research, friendships and my artistic network.”
Laura channeled her love for the circus into an ethnographic research project, traveling throughout New England with a youth circus for two months over the summer. “We lived in bunker trailers, we set up our own water lines, and it was very much working the land. [The experience] gives you a very different perspective of life and community. I felt like I came back with this motivation to really build community and create art.”
51ԹϺ
When asked what she likes about working at 51ԹϺ, Laura shared that she appreciates how well 51ԹϺ is integrated into the community. “We facilitate pathways for students to work in the community, from our local sports teams to opportunities on the Strip. 51ԹϺ continues to emphasize the value of higher education and creates those opportunities for its students. And, the students are wonderful here. It's lovely to be on such a diverse campus. After living in California, I noticed 51ԹϺ has a similar feel in terms of diversity.”
Mentors and Unsung Heroes
Laura’s mentors include her mother and advisors, from both her master’s and Ph.D. programs at California State University, Fullerton and Arizona State University. “These women have just been with me through so many challenges and so many beautiful things. I would not be the person I am if I hadn't had that mentorship,” expressed Laura.
At 51ԹϺ, Laura mentioned Urban Affairs advisor Dr. Ariana Garcia as one of our unsung heroes on campus. “Dr. Garcia recently finished her Ph.D. after seven years and working full time. We became connected when she invited me to be a panelist at an event for 51ԹϺ Comadres — a group she’s involved with that brings Latinx women together. It’s lovely to see someone so active in gathering Latinx individuals on campus to collaborate and build community. It's really important to have that source of support.”
Advice for Women
When asked what advice she would share with young women starting their careers, Laura mentioned taking up space. “Know that you belong in the space that you want to be in and keep your feet planted. Let your voice be heard…we are our own agents, and we need to advocate for ourselves.”