Candidate Statement – Kim Martin for LWSD Director District 4

Born and raised in Nevada, I come from a diverse and resilient background. My mother, originally from Brazil, and my father, from Korea, met in Las Vegas while my father was in college. Together, they had my brother and me. My older sister, from my mother’s previous relationship, was five years older. While their marriage ended when I was just five, our family grew when my mother remarried and had my younger brother.

Life was good—until it wasn’t. When I was 12, my mother went through another divorce and had to re-enter the workforce after being a housewife for a decade. Having immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager after losing both her parents, she hadn’t had the chance to pursue higher education. While she worked hard to provide, my siblings and I had to navigate life largely on our own.

Each of us took different paths. My younger brother went to live with his father, my older sister had already moved out, and my father remarried and relocated to California. That left just my older brother and me. Without guidance or stability, we faced challenges many kids today still face—moving often, food insecurity, and a lack of adult supervision. My brother struggled and spent his high school years in a boys' home. I was sent to live with my Korean uncle in Utah during my junior year.

But I had a dream—to graduate with my class back in Las Vegas. Thanks to the generosity of friends and families who opened their homes to me, I was able to return. Their support gave me the opportunity to thrive. I was a cheerleader, a band member, one of the first DECA graduates in the state, and a Senator in our senior class. I even had the honor of speaking at our graduation. These experiences shaped me and gave me a lifelong passion for building community, creating partnerships, and promoting transparency.

Every five years, I help organize our high school reunions, ensuring that the sense of connection we built back then continues to this day.

Despite the hardships I faced growing up, I never let my past define me. I remain optimistic and incredibly grateful for those who believed in me when I needed it most. That’s why I say I truly enjoy serving my community—because without my community, I wouldn’t be here.

Later in life, I moved to Seattle for a job opportunity, and it was during that time I met my husband. He had twin boys from a previous relationship, and a year later, we were married and welcomed our son—who now attends public school. We've explored many educational paths for our children, and through it all, I’ve remained committed to supporting their learning journey.

I volunteer as much as I can to support our schools. Currently, I serve as Vice President of our PTSA and volunteer weekly at our local church. Supporting children, families, and the broader community is at the heart of everything I do.

While working in Las Vegas, I realized that many families didn’t always have the opportunity to take a step back and enjoy nature. That’s when I created an annual picnic at my workplace that grew every single year. One year we’d head to the mountains, and I’d teach kids how to hike. The next, we’d spend the day at a lake and I’d show them how to fish. These weren’t just events—they were moments to build connection, confidence, and joy. I brought people together from all walks of life and made community a part of the workplace. I’ve never stopped building relationships. It’s who I am. It’s instilled in me to be a part of you.

Running for LWSD Director District 4 is my way of giving back. It’s a reflection of my gratitude, humility, passion, and determination. I understand firsthand what it means when schools, teachers, and caring adults believe in students who are struggling. I’m committed to ensuring every child has access to the support, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed—just like I did.

I’m Kim Martin, and I would be honored to earn your vote for LWSD Director District 4.