Meet Diana Martinez, PRSSA-LB Bateman Team's Creative Lead

Martinez Joins 2018 Bateman Case Study Competition as Creative Director

Diana Martinez, Creative Lead for the 2018 Bateman Case Study Competition | Photo by Ashley Lopez

by Ashley Lopez

While honing her skills as a blogger, photographer and PR student, Diana Martinez is ready to use her creative nature to defeat childhood cancer. She has been named creative director on the 2018 Bateman Team, where she will be overseeing all creative aspects of the campaign.

“I will help with the design layout, photography and other details. My role isn’t limited though, we are all working together to get things done regardless of what our official roles are,” said Martinez.

Martinez is a senior at CSULB, majoring in journalism with an emphasis in public relations.  She initially started her college journey as a marketing major, but then switched to public relations . PR includes things she already loves, such as, photography, design, social media and writing.

CSULB JPR Professor Jennifer Newton and Public Relations Professional Allison Miller will co-coach the team.

“When I found out Jen was going to be the advisor I really wanted to apply. She’s a very passionate professor, so I know we can really win with her help,” says Martinez. “Whether we win or not, I think it’s a great opportunity to participate in and have as experience.”

Their client, With Purpose is a youth-led, non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the funding gap for childhood cancer. The team is challenged to develop a PR campaign that will increase awareness of the organization and inspire the youth of Long Beach to join the movement.

With Purpose resonates with Diana because she feels that cancer is a topic people aren’t very educated on, unless they know someone who is experiencing it firsthand. She wants to take advantage of this opportunity to learn and help the cause.

Being a creative director is a fitting role because Diana is a freelance photographer and created a blog with her best friend called, Carolina & Alex.

“I’ve had my blog for five years but it wasn’t until last summer that I saw the potential in it,” said Martinez. The blog features local music, artists and creatives. She also spent the summer curating an art show with her best friend. Upon graduation next spring, Diana plans to work for a local agency because she has an interest with working for small companies.

“At some point, I want to start my own agency. I’ve already started it through my blog,” said Martinez. Through her blog she has been able to establish local bands as clients, helping them improve their online presence. Her ultimate goal is to transform Carolina & Alex into an agency that offers content creation, branding and PR services.

In the meantime, Diana and the team will research, plan, implement and evaluate their PR campaign for With Purpose through March. They will finalize their submission by April 2018.

“I’m looking forward to winning,” said Martinez.

And PRSSA-LB is looking forward to helping the Bateman Team with this compelling cause!