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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage/ LatinX Leaders in the Lab — 3 Questions With Maria Alejandra Martinez, MLS(ASCP)CM
Sep 30, 2026, 23:01 PM
by
Team Critical Values
Maria Alejandra Martinez, MLS(ASCP)CM, is a technical laboratory supervisor for Beacon Health System, a locally owned, nonprofit healthcare system serving patients across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. The Beacon Medical Group laboratory currently receives specimens from 46 sites and processes approximately 4 to 5 million tests a year. Ms. Martinez earned her bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science three years ago and is committed to growing her leadership skills and advocacy for others. “Long story short, the love I have for my family and their health inspired me to pursue this career path,” Ms. Martinez said.
What inspired you to pursue a career in laboratory science?
Growing up in my Mexican household, I learned from an early age to be ambitious and push beyond all boundaries. My parents grew up with limited resources and few opportunities to pursue an education. They did everything they could to give my siblings and me a better future. As I grew older, I understood how much harder it might be to achieve my goals and dreams because of the discrimination and barriers surrounding us.
During high school, my little brother passed away from a genetic disorder. After experiencing the loss of my brother and seeing the light leave my parents’ eyes, I realized how many challenges and gaps existed between the Hispanic community and the fields of science and medicine. I wanted to help bridge that gap by gaining the knowledge necessary to educate and empower others, especially those who may face the same challenges my family did. I wish my parents had had access to that knowledge during those difficult times.
As I continued to accomplish major educational milestones, I developed a passion for laboratory science and fell in love with the field. This career allowed me to learn and grow in an area where there was limited representation in my community. It also allowed me to advocate for my parents and others like them when it came to understanding their blood work and taking control of their health.
Long story short, the love I have for my family and their health inspired me to pursue this career path.
How have your identity and experiences informed your career?
Being Hispanic myself, I understand the turmoil that goes through those who do not speak the language when it comes to getting their lab work. Going into this field has provided me with the opportunity to advocate for those who are not sure how to navigate through the laboratory medical system or understand what tests are being performed on them.
Having seen my parents struggle and feel completely lost when it came to their health gave me the motivation to bridge that gap, for them and for others just like them. Even by working in a laboratory, I have been able to provide a different mindset on how to handle certain situations and better understand patients from different backgrounds.
Which career milestones or achievements are you especially proud of, and what are the new career milestones are you planning to achieve?
I love that I grew up in such a motivating and loving environment, as it gave me the drive to achieve great things.
A little over three years ago, I was preparing to take my finals before graduating with my bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science (MLS). At the same time, I was making sure all of the details for my wedding were coming together. My wedding was taking place days after my finals and a few days before my graduation. This was definitely not easy, but I made sure to look forward and smile as the journey to my next chapters in life and career was just about to happen.
Over the last three years, I have worked very hard and demonstrated my tenacity in the laboratory. My hard work was recognized, and I was offered a position as the Lead Technician of the lab. This opportunity allowed me to serve as the main guide for those on my shift and to educate those who joined our laboratory.
Soon thereafter, my manager recognized my ambition and nominated me for our e.Crew leadership group. This associate-recognition group allowed me to collaborate with others and connect with top leaders within my organization.
During this time, the Technical Laboratory Supervisor position became available. My goal has always been to continue growing professionally and climbing the ladder, and this position would give me the opportunity to collaborate with upper management while focusing on the quality assurance aspect of the laboratory. I applied for the position—and I got it!
To me, these past three years alone are full of achievements that I am extremely proud of! I have been able to use my position to motivate others to join the laboratory and to be the voice for those who aren’t sure how to use their own.
I would absolutely love to continue my education and receive, one day, a master’s degree in medical laboratory sciences and specialize in either microbiology or forensic science.
Currently, my goal is to grow in leadership and gain as much experience as I can in all areas so I can apply my technical and leadership skills to any future positions.
I have slowly started to join certain groups at my current employment. These include our internal employee leadership program, e.Crew, the wellbeing and belonging advocate group, and I will hopefully join the Juntos Adelante Associate Resource Group for Hispanic and Latino employees. [Note: “Juntos Adelante” translates to “Together Forward” in English.]