CWU, Heritage University, and Yakima Rotary to host J.R. Martinez on October 14-15

Each year, Central Washington University and Yakima Downtown Rotary collaborate to present an inspirational speaker for Hispanic Heritage Month.

This year’s guest is J.R. Martinez, a veteran, burn survivor, actor, and Dancing With The Stars champion. His story is one of resilience and adaptation in the face of unimaginable adversity — a tale he shares to help others navigate whatever they may be facing in their lives.

“I’ve gone through so much in my life, both good and bad,” Martinez said. “Sharing my experiences is my way of continuing to serve, because adversity is a terrible thing to waste.”

Martinez will begin his visit at Heritage University in Toppenish on Wednesday, October 14, with a talk beginning at 6 p.m.

On Thursday, October 15, he will speak in the SURC Ballroom at CWU at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A session. The event is free and open to the public. Earlier in the day, he will deliver a lunchtime presentation to the Yakima Downtown Rotary Club.

Born in Louisiana to parents from Mexico and El Salvador, Martinez’s life has been marked by intersectionality and the challenge of finding his own identity at the crossroads of so many others. In 2003, during his military service in Iraq, he was trapped in a burning vehicle after being hit by a roadside bomb, resulting in burns to 40% of his body and a dramatic shift in the trajectory of both his career and his life as a whole.

After 34 surgeries and a long recovery period, Martinez was asked by a nurse to chat with another recent burn victim who was just coming to grips with what the ordeal had done to his body. The experience made it clear to him that staying visible, and staying positive, would be how he would live his life going forward.

“I realized I had made a positive impact and helped him in some small way,” Martinez said. “In the weeks to follow, I found solace in helping other wounded survivors. I continued to visit these patients every day to share my story and listen to theirs. I learned that inspiration is often a two-way street.”

In the years since, Martinez’s journey has found him starring in a recurring role on the TV show All My Children, publishing a memoir, and speaking to audiences across the world about the power of adapting in the face of change. He plans to bring that message of hope and perseverance to CWU and the Yakima Valley later this month.

“At the end of the day, what we’re celebrating is people,” Martinez said. “If you enjoy the conversation we have, come to the next one, let’s keep talking.”

The October 14-15 Hispanic Heritage Month speaking event is sponsored by CWU, Heritage University, OIC of Washington, YWCA of Yakima, and Yakima Downtown Rotary.