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Sonia Martinez, associate director of public relations and community outreach at B��Ԫ, was recently appointed to the board of directors of the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley chapter.

The cause is close to her heart. Martinez began volunteering with the organization when her father was battling Alzheimer’s. Sadly, he passed away from complications of the disease a few years later. Now, Martinez’s mother has dementia.

Martinez is passionate about educating and raising awareness about Alzheimer’s, particularly in Latino and Black communities, which are disproportionately affected by the disease. “I see so many families suffering because of this disease, and it’s horrible,” she said. “There are resources out there, but people don’t know about them.” For example, she explained that lifestyle changes such as a better diet can help slow or prevent the disease, but many people are unaware of this step. Martinez also wants to ensure health care providers — especially those working in Latino and Black communities — are educated about diagnosing the disease early so patients get treated in a timely manner.

In her new board role, Martinez will continue to serve on two committees. On the Advocacy Committee, she helps educate and raise awareness about the disease with legislators in order to influence policy and secure funding for research and education. On the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, she helps educate and raise awareness of the disease in communities of people of color. How Martinez successfully garners support for the Alzheimer’s community can also be seen in how she executes her role at B��Ԫ, which involves establishing and strengthening authentic relationships with diverse community partners that benefit both Mercy students and the community.

Martinez is committed to volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association for the long haul: “I will continue to do what needs to be done until we can find better treatments or a cure for this horrible disease. You spend years watching your loved one die a little bit more every day as they forget more and more. That’s why they call this disease ‘the longest goodbye.’ I will keep fighting because I've seen what it's done to my family and my friends’ families, and I don’t want other people to have to go through this.”