Scarlett Martinez is a brave patriot who fights for what she wants, whether in the military or in her education. She joined the military in 2003 to serve her country and receive education benefits to pay for college costs. In 2004, she enrolled in American InterContinental University (AIU) – South Florida Campus to begin pursuing a college degree. In 2006, in the midst of acclimating to college, Scarlett was deployed to Iraq. Even during her service, she was able to continue college classes using AIU’s online campus. Then the unexpected happened: she was wounded in battle. The injury impaired Scarlett’s vision but didn’t stop her dream of earning a college degree. In 2007, she returned to the USA, determined to continue her college studies and achieve her dream.

Scarlett considers herself a tomboy and likes to work with cars, but she is a “fashionista” at heart. She received tons of compliments when, instead of throwing away some clothes that no longer fit, she decided to modify them and put her own original stamp on them. That is why she is currently completing her third year of studies in Fashion Marketing and Design.

When she first told her mother it was her dream to become a fashion designer, her mother was overcome with emotion. Crying, she pulled out a box of some of her own designs and sketches. Scarlett’s mother had also dreamed of becoming a designer. She was thrilled to hear of Scarlett’s interest and said that she would “live her dream.” When Scarlett receives her diploma, she will give it to her hardworking mom who raised her alone and supported Scarlett every step of the way.

Scarlett says Iraq gave her the courage she needed to continue pursuing her dreams and stop at nothing to achieve them. In addition to her injury, she faces many difficult life and financial challenges. She is a single mother raising a 9-month-old baby girl. To add to her responsibilities, Scarlett has to complete her National Guard service, which includes one weekend a month and a two-week tour. And while the GI bill pays for her books, she depends on her full-time job as a legal assistant to make ends meet. She is also seeking scholarship opportunities to help her continue her studies, and to lessen her own financial burden. She feels that the sky is the limit for those who have the motivation and drive.

Scarlett’s drive has led others to recognize her efforts. She was awarded the military’s Purple Heart for her service in Iraq. Furthermore, she was nominated by the Department of Domestic Violence for the prestigious Mujeres Latinas award at the fifth annual “Tributo a Sus Logros (Tribute to Her Achievement)” Awards event. Scarlett was one of 16 Hispanic women from the Miami-Dade area honored for their achievements.

Scarlett does not want to ever depend on a man and knows that women can do anything that men can do. Fashion is her passion and she is extremely motivated to do what it takes to become successful. Scarlett is a great example of every woman’s capacity to overcome great obstacles to achieve anything they want!