NAWBO Greater Detroit Honors Monica L. Martinez with Diversity Champion Corporate Award

Comerica Bank’s Monica L. Martinez joined a prestigious group of Michigan businesswomen recognized by the National Associated of Women Business Owners Greater Detroit Chapter (NAWBO-GDC) at the organization’s 26th Annual Top 10 Michigan Business Women Awards.

Martinez, Comerica’s senior vice president-national community affairs, received NAWBO’s Diversity Champion Corporate Award, which showcases a woman, organization or business that has promoted and facilitated diversity.

Martinez manages Comerica’s external community initiatives and partnerships, Comerica’s Diversity Business Resource Groups, corporate volunteer programing with a focus in low- and moderate-income communities and all aspects of the bank’s national Hispanic Business Development.

In the capacity of external Diversity director, Martinez oversees 19 Business Resource Groups which support the bank’s diversity outreach. In addition, she works hand in hand with Comerica’s CRA market managers to identify volunteer opportunities that support community outreach and financial education across the bank’s footprint. Her responsibilities also include developing and maintaining relationships with key community stakeholders nationwide and serving as a spokesperson for the bank.

As national Hispanic business developer, Martinez serves as the liaison for the bank within the Hispanic community, directing Comerica's Hispanic business and community outreach in the bank’s primary markets, which are comprised of Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas. In addition, she helps direct the bank’s Hispanic Business Initiative teams and Hispanic Employee Resource groups. She is also accountable for growing business relationships and developing outreach initiatives.

Martinez joined Comerica in 2006 in support of the bank’s ongoing commitment to building strong relationships with Hispanic business owners, entrepreneurs and communities. Under her leadership, Martinez’ teams have reached many milestones including Comerica being named to the Hispanic Business Magazine’s Diversity Elite 60 list (in the top 10) in addition to being highlighted as the number one company for Supplier Diversity for two consecutive years. In addition, LATINA Style Magazine named Comerica as one of the top companies for Latinas to work.

Other examples of Martinez’s success include the launching of a Comerica Web site in Spanish and the acceptance of the Matricula Consular identification card at Comerica banking centers nationwide.

Martinez actively serves on the board of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber, SER Jobs for Progress National, New Detroit, the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition and is the chairperson of the Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan Hispanic Advisory committee.

The NAWBO Top 10 Michigan Business Women comprises of Michigan-based women owners, along with corporate, nonprofit and governmental champions. NAWBO has propelled women entrepreneurs into economic, social, and political spheres of power, worldwide for the past 40 years.