Good golly good day to you.  I thought I would take a moment to “introduce” myself to you so that hopefully you can obtain a better understanding of me, my passions, my drive and determination, and my faith path and journey.

Connection

I have had the wonderful pleasure of visiting many places around the globe.  In these respective travels, I have had the blessing of staying in the homes of community members, establishing programs in both developing and developed countries, as well as strong, authentic relationships with various people that I encountered since the earlies 1990’s.

Change

I have been an advocate of change at both the individual and community level.  This change has never been easy due to the fact of different viewpoints, access and getting to a point of true collaboration.  I have taken personal concentrated efforts to work on both the inner and outer me.  I have taken steps to work on all of me – mentally, physically, and spiritually.  No, this has not been easy – but hey. what is?  Yes, there are some things that I am still working on and I will continue to be a work in progress.

Catalyst

I am a magnet for community, institutional and systematic change that incorporates divergent voices, ideological differences and challenges that yearn for robust, rough, and raw conversations.   No these are not easy in any way, shape, or form yet I value and respect that I am able to bring together and/or connect the people, game changers and general community at-large to promote real, effective change.

Creative

I love to cook.  Now, yes, I have a “few” things that are done by receipe however most are by sight, smell, and feel.  I cherish the times in the kitchen, listening to Mahalia Jackson, ol’ school Baptist FULL choirs, Sam Cooke, and classic R&B.  I love being able to create and craft that is specific to the person that transmits comfort, connection, and community.

Community

I am one that values the intersections of faith (not just attending a physical building) yet true relationship, friends and community originated services and opportunities.  I love intergenerational conversations, connection and true conversation that yields the framework for mentorship, development, and true constructive communication.

This is just a snapshot of who I am. Oh yeah, forget to mention the ‘golden nuggets’

• Favorite color: Cobalt Blue
  Favorite shows: I Love Lucy, Golden Girls, Boomerang, TCM, Cooking Channel and Food Network
• Favorite location: Beach
• Favorite sound: Rain
• Where I would like to eventually retire: Some place in nature, with a CAT 5 connection

I hope that is gives more of an idea of the ‘me’ and look forward to hearing from you as it pertains to Potential of Ability, Incorporated, any of our current or future plans or have a suggestion please feel free to connect with me soon and very soon!

Hi!!!! I’m Estybalyz Martinez, Esty, if you’re not used to pronouncing rare unique names.  

I am grateful and honored to hold the position as Executive Administrator Coordinator at Potential of Ability, Incorporated. As our mission statement says we are here to empower, educate, and equip youth and young adults ages (18-24) involved in the foster care system and/or those who have recently exited foster care, youth and young adults who face housing challenges, have educational challenges and those youth and young adults who lack viable long-term stable, meaningful contributing employment. 

Whether you’re in the foster system, just exiting, or never been, we are here to help with those basic life skills that weren’t taught in school such as money management, housing management, and how to get and keep a job. If none of these suit you, we also help with substance abuse and/or mental health illness. Point is, no matter what your ability or disabilities may be, we will always see the potential you may have and we will strive to bring it out within yourself. 

Since I was a little bean I strived to become something bigger than I could imagine as I’m sure all of us have. The thing with me is, it was bigger than my mind could grasp, although I was not part of the foster care system, as a young child my family and I faced many challenges to make a decent living. From housing challenges, moving house-to-house, to having educational challenges because of my ethnicity as well as financial challenges and no, it doesn’t stop here. My brother has suffered with severe schizophrenia for almost 10 years now. I never knew what I wanted to study or be when I grew up but one thing I DID have certain was I wanted to help those who faced these similar challenges as me and help those who faced different challenges and Potential of Ability has given me the opportunity to do just that and MORE. 

Now on the other hand I know you’re wanting to know a little more insight on who I am. AKA ‘Golden Nuggets’:

I was born and raised here in the wonderful City of Tucson, Arizona. I have had the pleasure of visiting many places at a young age and see different cultures and lifestyles. Some of my favorite hobbies include going on walks, meditating and working out. I also really enjoy arts and crafts but my absolute favorite thing to do is watch sunsets and sunrises. On occasions when I’m close to a beach the sound and visual of waves is something that nothing can top off. My favorite color is yellow, but not just any shade of yellow, that bright yellow you see when the sunrises or that you see on beautiful sunflowers or even that tone of yellow that sometimes sunsets surprise us with. Yellow speaks of friendliness and approachability. It symbolizes warmth, harmony, peace and honesty. Yellow is the color of light, hope, and encouragement. When you see yellow it inspires thoughts and curiosity and boosts enthusiasm and confidence.

I hope this gives you more of an idea of ‘who I am’ and I look forward to hearing from you as it pertains to Potential of Ability, Incorporated, current or future plans or if you have a suggestion please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. 

Thank you and stay blessed.