Hello! I’m Bianka Isabella Martinez. I’m HOC’s National Program Coordinator. I’m originally from Chicago, born and raised. I credit my tenacity to my Chicago upbringing. We had rough winters, beautiful summers and deep rooted communities with a passion for organizing and environmental justice. Unfortunately, Chicagoans aren't known for their relationship to the environment or outdoor recreation. What little exposure to the natural world I can attribute to my family's childhood stories and traditions that they wanted to keep alive in me.

I got the bug for conservation early. I’ve always had a passion for the sciences and as I got older I was more and more drawn to Biology. I credit one of my highschool teachers (Hi Mr. Balaban) for being a catalyst in my career path and have always hoped to be that educator for someone else. I went on to complete my undergraduate studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a BS Natural Biology & Ecology and am currently pursuing my Masters in Environmental Management with a focus on Sustainable & Resilient Communities from Western Colorado University. I have always dedicated my time to encouraging people to engage with the natural world, turning others into lifelong learners, and  helping them pick up the passion for conservation.

Through my work with HOC, I hope to impact the communities we serve by fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment in the outdoors. By amplifying voices, creating accessible pathways for education, licensure, hands-on conservation, and advocating for equitable policy changes, i’m hoping to do my part in making hunting and outdoor recreation more inclusive. I’m inspired by the opportunity i’ve been allowed to reshape the image of what a hunter looks like, promoting diversity in a field that has often felt homogeneous. My goal is to inspire individuals to reclaim and cultivate their relationship with nature and their food systems, while also contributing to the conservation and sustainability of the lands and wildlife that we all depend on.