She holds a Ph.D. in Critical Theory and Directing in Drama from Stanford University. She attended the prestigious conservatory Centro Universitario de Teatro (CUT) at the Universidad Autónoma de México and studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, as well as with master teachers Jerzi Grotowski, Lee Strasberg, Arianne Mnouchkine, Augusto Boal and Anna Deveare Smith. As a professional actor, Ms. Martinez's work spans film, television and stage, and was a member of El Teatro Campesino (ETC), founded by Luis Valdez, for 27 years.