Rutgers–Camden’s First-Ever Schwarzman Scholar Rises Beyond Borders
Alumna Tania Martinez has been named a Schwarzman Scholar, becoming the first representative of Rutgers University–Camden to earn the prestigious honor. Schwarzman Scholars is considered one of the most selective graduate programs in the world.
Martinez has been chosen as one of approximately 200 students nationwide who will travel to Tsinghua University in Beijing to complete a one-year, fully funded master’s program in global affairs. She is one of three scholars selected this year from across Rutgers University.
“I feel very lucky and very humbled to have been chosen,” said Martinez, a 2022 Rutgers–Camden graduate. “I’m proud to be part of a cohort that is dedicated to the public good, and I‘m also excited to learn from peers and through firsthand experiences in China.”
Martinez’s story begins in an unlikely place for a Rutgers University–Camden student: Arkansas, where, born to a Guatemalan mother and Mexican father, she was part of a small but vibrant Latino community. As she grew older, the promise of a future in New York and New Jersey beckoned. Martinez craved a life where she could be surrounded by diversity and work to help others through a career in immigration policy.
Just three years removed from earning her bachelor’s degree at Rutgers–Camden—where she was a triple major in political science, philosophy, and global studies—Martinez has already realized her dream of working as an advocate in one of the nation’s most dynamic hubs for immigrant life. Currently serving as assistant director of the intergovernmental affairs team for the Department of Small Business Services in New York City, she will travel to Beijing in August to begin her studies.
“One of my biggest motivators in pursuing this opportunity was the values of the Schwarzman program,” Martinez said. Since 2015, the program has sought to create global leaders for the 21st century, giving them hands-on experience in China to work toward a more peaceful and prosperous future for all. “The idea of global connection really resonates with me, especially as it relates to China. It’s critical to be more interconnected and understanding of one another—not just between different cultures, but also different fields.”
Martinez’s time at Rutgers–Camden laid the groundwork for her future accomplishments. Her ambition extended beyond academics; she was an active member of College Democrats and Project 555, which reached 555 of New Jersey’s high schools in its efforts to encourage youth voter participation. She even started a podcast, Voices of Immigration, that caught the attention of Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway, who dubbed her “the busiest person in Camden.” Martinez said Rutgers–Camden was the ideal setting in which to accomplish her many academic and extracurricular goals.
“The level of community engagement with South Jersey and Philadelphia was something I found unique about Rutgers–Camden,” Martinez said. “I feel lucky that I ended up here, because I grew a lot. The faculty and my peers were all invested in each other, and, a lot of people had similar lived experiences to me. I was inspired by everyone I went to school with.”
Toward the end of her undergraduate career, under the mentorship of Laura Collins, Director of the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowship Advising, Martinez applied to and was chosen for the Urban Fellows program in New York City, an opportunity that led to her current role. She stayed in touch with Collins after graduating, and the two would discuss other potential scholarships and fellowships. Both recognized Schwarzman as a great fit.
“I’m fortunate to have known Tania throughout her undergraduate years and to have witnessed her impact,” Collins said. “She has always demonstrated a clear vision of how she wants to effect change. It’s evident that she is a thoughtful leader who will contribute to and benefit from the Schwarzman community.”
While China is uncharted territory for Martinez, she is looking forward to her year in Beijing.
“I’ll miss my family and friends and New York City, but even though I’m nervous, I’m excited as well,” Martinez said. “I love exploring different cities to see how they are designed and how they operate. I’m also interested in Chinese migration policy and how it can inform our policies here in the United States.”
As she prepares for the next phase of her academic life, Martinez is encouraging her fellow Rutgers–Camden Scarlet Raptors and other Latino scholars to boldly pursue their passions.
“I used to be afraid to ask for support, but I’ve been empowered by my community to be here,” Martinez said. “I know more of us can overcome our fears and lean on our community to lift each other up and discover new opportunities.”
Rutgers–Camden students and alumni are encouraged to connect with the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowship Advising to consider awards and opportunities that may help them achieve their goals. Learn more.
