Melissa Martinez

When Melissa Martinez first started her college journey in the fall of 1992, she failed. After that initial experience, she worked for a local grocery story for many years, eventually finding herself without a job due to a back injury.

“I had no way to take care of my three kids and myself,” said the lifelong Wyandotte County resident. “I was a single parent, and for the first time, I did not know how I was going to put food on the table and keep a roof over my head.”

Not long after, Martinez had prepared food for a large family event, and it was suggested that she look into the culinary arts program at KCKCC. She restarted her educational journey in 2014, graduating in 2015 with National Technical Honors. She worked as a prep cook at Great Wolf Lodge for a short time before returning to KCKCC to work in the cafeteria. In 2016, she accepted a position as a lab aid in the culinary arts department, where she worked until spring 2022. She then moved into a full-time position in the front office at KCKCC-TEC where she currently works.

“Since 2015, I have taken classes off and on to finish my associate in applied science degree for culinary arts,” she said. “But my story will not end there. After I earn my culinary degree, I will begin taking classes for my current position and will also get my associates in applied science for administrative office professional. I would not be able to do any of this if it were not for KCKCC, my mentors, instructors, faculty and of course my family.”

Martinez said KCKCC has had the biggest impact on her life, not only leading her to two career paths, but also helping her financially with her education. Since enrolling at KCKCC, two of her children have also graduated from the college – one in building property maintenance technology and the other in nail technology.

“In the last six years as working as a lab aid in the culinary department, I was given the opportunity to enrich so many students and make an impact on their lives,” she said. “I will forever be grateful to KCKCC-TEC for changing my life by opening doors and providing me with so many life changing opportunities.”