Future of Texas Award
The Future of Texas Award honors an extraordinary young leader whose work has made a significant and demonstrable impact that improves the lives of Texans. Since 2014, we’ve valued leaders working in a variety of settings– from the Capitol, the community, the classroom, and everywhere in between.
Karla Martinez
Texas native Karla Martinez, Senior Policy Analyst at Community Catalyst, serves a statewide community with her expertise in immigrant and health coverage eligibility policy.
With several leadership roles in and out of the office, Karla leads community-centered state campaigns and initiatives with her diverse experience in health care, including providing direct patient education as an enrollment assister in the Affordable Care Act. In 2023, Karla was one of 14 young leaders around the country invited to join the inaugural class of Rising Leaders for Results fellows with the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Karla is a native Texan, daughter of Mexican immigrants, and current Austin resident.
About
Future of Texas leaders are under 40 and work in food security and access to healthy and sufficient food; good jobs, living wages, and financial security; health care expansion and access; high-quality public schools and college or post-secondary education; racial, ethnic, or gender equity and inclusion; smart public investments that meet Texas’ growing needs; or voting rights and access.
We honor those who identify as a member of a marginalized and/or underrepresented community, work towards a Texas where an individual or group’s race or ethnicity no longer predicts their well-being or outcomes, and who believe in the shared Texas value of looking out for our neighbors.
The Future of Texas Award includes a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit organization of the honoree’s choosing.
Support the Occasion
The Future of Texas recipient will be honored at Every Texan’s 2024 Legacy Award Ceremony. For 24 years, the Legacy Award has uplifted extraordinary leaders who ensure our state is truly a place for every Texan.
Your Support Makes a Difference
For almost 39 years, Every Texan has worked to strengthen public policy and advance equity and opportunity for Texans of all backgrounds. Our people-centered vision to achieve a state where every Texan thrives is only possible through your generous support for our work.