Tammy Baldwin: “today I rise to honor Guadalupe Martinez, executive director of United Migrant Opportunity Services--UMOS--on his…”

“today I rise to honor Guadalupe Martinez, executive director of United Migrant Opportunity Services--UMOS--on his retirement. Over the last 55 years, Guadalupe Martinez has been a tireless advocate who has grown a multistate organization with programs to provide education, improve employment and housing for migrant workers and underserved populations. Mr. Martinez was born in 1945 in Corpus Christi, TX, to migrant parents and was one of 10 children. Throughout his life, his family migrated around the Midwest, working as fruit and vegetable harvesters, before settling in Oklahoma. As a young boy, his job was to haul baskets to the workers. Martinez also served as the translator for his family, taking care of essential household duties. Eventually, his family bought a farm in Stevens Point, WI. In 1969, Martinez saw a help wanted ad for UMOS. He applied, and on May 5, 1969, Martinez started as a community outreach worker in Door County, WI. He later enrolled in classes at UW-Milwaukee, became a teacher, and eventually rose to the position of director of education for UMOS. Then, in 1974, he became the CEO and president of UMOS. Martinez helped broaden the scope of UMOS by providing direct program services that focused on workforce development, social services, and child development. Through his leadership, UMOS has grown into the largest Hispanic-managed nonprofit in the State of Wisconsin and into one of the largest in the Nation.…”