Good Neighbor Spotlight: Mercedes Martinez of Summerlin
At Neighborhoods.com, the primary focus is showcasing different neighborhoods around the country and highlighting the aspects that make them stand out. This helps residents learn more about their surroundings, and helps future homeowners decide where they might want to live. Sometimes, however, the focus shouldn’t just be on the neighborhoods, but instead be about the people who make these neighborhoods better. In Las Vegas, one of those people is Mercedes Martinez.
As someone who’s worked with Mercedes and knows her personally, I’m fascinated, but not surprised, by her kindness and how locals are drawn to her. It’s impressive to see her out in the community—people love and adore her, and it’s apparent that she makes a difference in the Vegas valley. The love she receives is more than deserved.
Most people know Mercedes from Mercedes in the Morning on Las Vegas’ local station Mix 94.1 as well as the co-host on Las Vegas Now. Mercedes has worked in the radio industry for 21 years, and over the years she’s received awards like "Best Local Radio Personality" by The Review-Journal, "Best Local Radio Personality" by both Las Vegas Weekly and Vegas Seven Magazine, and "Best On-Air Radio Talent" by the Silver State Award.
And she’s showing no signs of slowing down. But she is also so much more than just a radio and TV personality. What’s more impressive than her award-winning resume is how she influences her local community.
“I love this city so much, so I really try to give back whenever I can,” Mercedes says. “I’ve done work with everyone from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Las Vegas, the Rape Crisis Center, the United Way, to countless others. I think the work I’m most proud of is helping out teachers in the Clark County School District by getting them gift cards annually to help with expenses, and especially working with kids through various foundations and talking to them about the importance of education and confidence.”
Mercedes has been so influential in the city that Vegas Magazine honored her at their “Vegas Gives” event, which recognized women in Las Vegas that support and contribute to the city’s community organizations.
She has also worked with many local animal non-profit organizations at Pet-A-Palooza in Paradise, and she has helped raise over one million cans of food within the community as part of the Four Corners Food Drive, both yearly events hosted by Mix 94.1.
One great aspect about Mercedes that makes her stand out from the rest is that she takes time out of her busy schedule to do nice things for locals, even when no one is watching.
This was the case when she ran into a listener at a local restaurant. The fan put on Facebook that Martinez ended up paying for her meal. On another occasion, Mercedes helped a girl who came to her about some struggles she was having in life. Mercedes took the time to get to know her, mentor her, and help her get through the college application process. “It’s been my experience that if you’re going to talk the talk, you need to walk the walk. Yes, we can talk about various fundraisers or ways to help this community, but if you’re not out there actually doing and contributing, you’re not part of the solution,” she says.
Not only is Mercedes’ influence around the city heard and seen on radio and television, but it is also seen on social media. She has thousands of followers and likes online, and it is not uncommon to see locals leaving gracious comments on her social media platforms. One recently said, “Thank you so very kindly...you are a true example of a high-class, stellar woman that pays it forward in the community.”
But even with the attention and spotlight, Mercedes still remains humble and takes everything in stride. “I feel like I am a Las Vegas local that has a voice, so I do my best to use it to encourage everyone to make a difference in this community. And it’s not hard to do because this city is filled with givers. I’ve never seen anything like it. The only time I get stressed is when there’s not enough hours in the day to accomplish what I want to do or help all of the worthy causes.”
Away from work, Mercedes is a mom to two beautiful daughters, Sophie (14) and Brooklyn (9), and is married to her husband, Matt. She lives in Summerlin, and some of her favorite activities in the neighborhood include doing Crossfit at Crossfit Modulus, attending spin at XCYCLE, and hanging out at Downtown Summerlin to shop, eat, or have cocktails with friends.
When it comes to influencing the city and making a difference, Mercedes still has a lot she plans to do. “I would love to continue with radio and television. It’s so much fun, and I have so many ideas to reach and help people. But I’d also love to work more with mentoring kids, particularly young girls, to let them know what they are truly capable of.”