Isabella Martinez

Athlete, Event planner, Foodie, World traveler

I live in vibrant Athens, GA, and am a proud University of Georgia grad student. As an emerging media master’s student, I am passionate about exploring the intersection of technology and design. My role as the curator and organizer for the annual TEDxUGA has given me vast experience in planning and executing an event, as well as drafting compelling stories that engage global audiences. Creating these 18-minute stories that resonate with millions of people and change the lives of hundreds fills me with excitement! I ignite my creativity and draw inspiration by engaging in activities such as yoga, meditation, crochet, and outdoor adventure! I have a deep love for physical and spiritual exercise and I’ve put it to the test by undertaking great challenges! I am most proud of my completion of El Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile thru-hike in Spain that tested my physical, emotional, and spiritual abilities to the fullest extent. I find joy in connecting with new people and embracing the diversity of perspectives.

Connecting with people and learning from their experiences. Every individual possesses a unique store of knowledge they can contribute. I believe connecting with people and embracing diverse perspectives is the best way to learn. I find great joy in sparking conversations, as they often lead to gained knowledge and personal growth.

Curation, Event Planning, UX Design, Web Development

As the event begins and the theater lights dim, I release presenters filled with nerves and excitement onto the red round rug. Once they deliver their idea that changes everything, I receive them filled with satisfaction and pride as the audience claps and embraces the talk - this is the most memorable part of being the curator for TEDxUGA. The hours of work, the dozens of curation meetings, and the countless practice sessions finally paid off. Nothing is more inspiring than seeing the hard work of an entire team come to life on a talk that will change the lives of hundreds.

Cooking