Cristina Martinez earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in 1994 and her Masters of Engineering in 1996 both from Stevens Institute of Technology, with structural engineering concentrations. Cristina’s structural engineering experience includes working on analysis and design of complex high-rise commercial structures as well as renovation of historical existing buildings. Among the projects she participated in are 383 Madison Avenue, a 755-foot tall office building; Times Square Tower, a commercial high rise in the heart of Times Square; and the redevelopment of the retail concourse at Rockefeller Center. A few years into her career, she transitioned into a marketing and business development role, utilizing her engineering expertise to better support client needs and build successful industry relationships. Currently at H2M architects + engineers, Cristina is based at the firm’s Parsippany office and is an integral part of the company’s corporate business development team. She’s actively implementing strategies for the overall growth of the firm in the Northeast, while also leading focused efforts in pursuing new business and client relationships in the forensics/insurance service line. In 2012, she was named to Engineering News-Record’s Top 20 under 40 list, which recognizes outstanding contributions of AEC industry’s young professionals.
Cristina has served as a mentor and is now President of the board of directors of the ACE Mentoring Program of New Jersey and also served on ACE’s National Affiliates Council as one of its original members. She is dedicated to seeing underrepresented groups succeed in the construction industry. She is a past Chairperson of the Engineering Advisory Board for Newark Public Schools, a group striving to grow the number of high school students entering the engineering track at the high school level, by coordinating guest speakers, job shadow programs and curriculum enhancement. Cristina also serves on the Board of Directors of the Newark Regional Business Partnership, a leading broad-based business organization with services that include frequent networking opportunities, first class business information programs and strong business advocacy. She has been a member of various industry organizations including the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Portuguese Engineering & Architecture Society.