Hello, My name is Jaylen Martinez. Born and raised here in Chicago, I’m an avid Chicago sports fan (minus the White Sox; we don’t like the White Sox). I played Rugby throughout high school, even playing for Chicago’s U-19 team against a team from Ireland. Beyond sports, I was active in the slam poetry scene, eventually performing for Louder Than a Bomb in my senior year of high school.
After high school, I attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee where I continued to play rugby, furthered my passion for spoken word and poetry slams, and delved into the responsibility of student leadership. Coming out of college, I moved back to Chicago and became an educator at DRW college prep.
Having been on a GG trip to Ecuador, I know that our students are going to love Riobamba. The activities allow them to have fun while furthering their understanding of other people, their culture, and their history. The city is gorgeous, and the people are going to welcome them with open arms! Beyond the trip, they’re going to make lifelong friends.
I’m super excited to lead this trip, and I’m counting the days until June 12th!
With love,
Jaylen Martinez
