Monica Martinez is the Co-founder of EduDream, a Latina-founded women-owned research consulting firm dedicated to transforming education by integrating community insights with rigorous research. With over 15 years of experience in applied research, Monica specializes in partnering with foundations, nonprofits, and educational institutions to offer community-centered research, evaluation, and strategy. Her work primarily involves overseeing EduDream’s quantitative research portfolio, leading the analysis of complex datasets, and examining the impact of programs and policies. Monica’s journey as a daughter of immigrants and her educational experiences have fueled her commitment to improving educational access and opportunities for all students.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- Monica Martinez shares her experience in research methodologies
- The founding story of EduDream
- How Monica’s professional experience in education influences her work at EduDream
- The importance of understanding who to talk to in an organization to effect change
- Who are EduDream’s clients and what services do they provide?
- Why conducting needs assessment before developing a program is crucial
- How to get certified as a minority- and woman-owned business
- Monica explains the Request for Proposal Process (RFP) and its benefits
- Why values alignment and a growth mindset are crucial for a successful organization
- How Monica and her partner overcame limiting beliefs to grow their team
- The benefits of working with a leadership coach
In this episode…
Transforming education through research requires more than just academic expertise; it involves a deep understanding of community needs and values. But how can rigorous research methodology truly align with and enhance the educational experiences of diverse communities?
According to Monica Martinez, a seasoned expert in applied research, the secret lies in integrating community voices with thorough research methodologies. With over 15 years of experience in applied research, Monica highlights the importance of this integration. It’s not just about gathering data; it’s about ensuring educational strategies are effectively tailored and resonate with the communities they’re meant to serve. Her approach emphasizes the need for thorough and empathetic research, capable of driving meaningful change in the education sector.
In this episode of the Financial Clarity podcast, Hannah Smolinski is joined by Monica Martinez, Co-founder of EduDream, to explore the role of community-centric research in education. They discuss EduDream’s mission-driven approach, the benefits of being a certified minority and women-owned business, and practical strategies for responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in the educational sector.
Resources Mentioned in this episode
- Hannah Smolinski: LinkedIn | Email
- Clara CFO Group: Website | YouTube
- Financial Clarity podcast: Website | YouTube
- Monica Martinez: LinkedIn | Email
- EduDream
- “From Fractional CFO to Online Educator” with Jamie Trull on the Financial Clarity podcast
- “Business Banking and Loans in Plain English” with Maxx Mogollon on the Financial Clarity podcast
- Michelle Oliva on LinkedIn
- Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University
Sponsor for this episode…
Clara CFO is dedicated to providing financial clarity and profit-maximizing solutions to small businesses. The team at Clara CFO are seasoned accounting professionals with a heart for small business. We help growth-minded entrepreneurs thrive through Fractional CFO services and financial education.
Whether you’re grappling with hiring decisions, profit margin concerns, or ambitious growth plans, Clara CFO provides insights, recommendations, and a clear financial roadmap to achieve your goals.
To learn more about Clara CFO Group and how we can help your business, visit ClaraCFO.com.
