Bestowed annually, the Skillman Visionary Awards recognize up to 10 individuals who are updating and upgrading the education system in Detroit and beyond. Visionaries represent a mix of educators, advocates, and policy influencers who are reimagining the education system in innovative, community-informed, and collaborative ways. Visionaries receive a $50,000 individual award, acknowledging the impact they’ve already made.
The ten awardees honored in this year’s cohort include Saba Gebrain, Foster Youth Advocate; Wytrice Harris, Community Organizer & Student Success Advocate; Mario Lemons, School Leader & Role Model; Sarah Winchell Lenhoff, Education Researcher; Jametta Lilly, Parent Organizer; Juan José Martínez, Public Charter School Superintendent; Anika Akins McEvans, Student Athletics Trailblazer; Ambra Redrick, Youth Champion & Cross-Sector Coordinator; Alisa Ruffin, Teacher Leader & Curriculum Designer and Anisa Sahoubah, Education Nonprofit Leader.
Juan José Martínez, Public Charter School Superintendent
Born and raised in the vibrant Latina/o community of Southwest Detroit, Juan José Martínez’s mission hits close to home.
Martínez is superintendent of the public charter district César Chávez Academy. He closely engages with staff, students, parents, and community members to support the well-being and success of students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Under his guidance, César Chávez Academy Schools have been recognized for academic excellence and cultural inclusion.
César Chávez Academy students are encouraged to freely express themselves through different languages and celebrate the cultures of their families and neighbors. Bilingual and bicultural education is Martínez’s specialty, and he has observed how this approach has proven to engage and accelerate young people in their learning journeys.
Before leading César Chávez Academy, Martínez served as the district’s high school leader. He has also held a leadership role at Detroit Public Schools and was a two-time elected member of the Detroit Board of Education, District 2, where he advocated for additional federal and state funding for students and introduced policies at the district level that impacted thousands of students.
After serving on the Detroit Board of Education, Martínez worked in city government as an assistant to former Mayor Dennis Archer and chief of staff for then-City Council Member Sheila Cockrel.
Martínez says the students in his schools inspire him daily, and partnerships with parents fuel their success.
