Ashley Martinez
Grant writing and advocacy firm founder, content creator
about
about
about
For over 17 years, I’ve helped local government agencies, nonprofits, startups, and small businesses navigate the complexities of government and communicate effectively.
My experience spans roles as a contract lobbyist at a fast-growing Sacramento-based lobbying firm, manager of government and community relations for a large hub airport, and lobbyist for one of the most influential labor unions in California.
In 2022, I launched CPRA Strategies, a grant writing and advocacy firm dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations secure funding and amplify their voice in public policy. My background has equipped me with a unique skill set and understanding of the intricacies of government.
experience
experience
experience
Founder
CPRA Strategies, Inc. | 2022 – present
In 2022, after 14 years of working across sectors, I recognized a common need: expert support that’s accessible, effective, and free from the high costs and complexity of big-agency retainers. I founded CPRA Strategies to help local government agencies, nonprofits, startups, and small businesses fill critical gaps—quickly, affordably, and with measurable impact.
Founder
CPRA Strategies, Inc. | 2022 – present
In 2022, after 14 years of working across sectors, I recognized a common need: expert support that’s accessible, effective, and free from the high costs and complexity of big-agency retainers. I founded CPRA Strategies to help local government agencies, nonprofits, startups, and small businesses fill critical gaps—quickly, affordably, and with measurable impact.
Founder
CPRA Strategies, Inc. | 2022 – present
In 2022, after 14 years of working across sectors, I recognized a common need: expert support that’s accessible, effective, and free from the high costs and complexity of big-agency retainers. I founded CPRA Strategies to help local government agencies, nonprofits, startups, and small businesses fill critical gaps—quickly, affordably, and with measurable impact.
Legislative & Regulatory Advocate (Contract)
California Advocacy, LLC | 2023 – 2024
I advocated before the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, and various California state agencies on behalf of the firm’s clients. My primary focus areas included state and local procurement, technology, water, and workforce development. Clients ranged from nonprofits to startups to large corporations.
Legislative & Regulatory Advocate (Contract)
California Advocacy, LLC | 2023 – 2024
I advocated before the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, and various California state agencies on behalf of the firm’s clients. My primary focus areas included state and local procurement, technology, water, and workforce development. Clients ranged from nonprofits to startups to large corporations.
Legislative & Regulatory Advocate (Contract)
California Advocacy, LLC | 2023 – 2024
I advocated before the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, and various California state agencies on behalf of the firm’s clients. My primary focus areas included state and local procurement, technology, water, and workforce development. Clients ranged from nonprofits to startups to large corporations.
Manager, Government & Community Relations
San Diego International Airport | 2019 – 2022
I coordinated a comprehensive community outreach program for the Airport’s $3 billion New Terminal One Replacement Project. The outreach program was awarded the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) Outreach and Communication Award for excellence in stakeholder engagement. I also coordinated a robust federal and state government relations program, representing the Airport in regional forums and serving as the liaison between federal, state, and local agencies and elected officials.
Manager, Government & Community Relations
San Diego International Airport | 2019 – 2022
I coordinated a comprehensive community outreach program for the Airport’s $3 billion New Terminal One Replacement Project. The outreach program was awarded the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) Outreach and Communication Award for excellence in stakeholder engagement. I also coordinated a robust federal and state government relations program, representing the Airport in regional forums and serving as the liaison between federal, state, and local agencies and elected officials.
Manager, Government & Community Relations
San Diego International Airport | 2019 – 2022
I coordinated a comprehensive community outreach program for the Airport’s $3 billion New Terminal One Replacement Project. The outreach program was awarded the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) Outreach and Communication Award for excellence in stakeholder engagement. I also coordinated a robust federal and state government relations program, representing the Airport in regional forums and serving as the liaison between federal, state, and local agencies and elected officials.
Founder & Principal
AM Public Affairs | 2018 – 2019
AM Public Affairs marked my first foray into entrepreneurship. It was during this time that I recognized a growing need among local government agencies, nonprofits, startups, corporations, and small businesses for experienced, affordable consultants to help navigate the complexities of government. I worked primarily as a contract lobbyist for a startup lobbying firm, focusing on state procurement and legislative budget issues.
Founder & Principal
AM Public Affairs | 2018 – 2019
AM Public Affairs marked my first foray into entrepreneurship. It was during this time that I recognized a growing need among local government agencies, nonprofits, startups, corporations, and small businesses for experienced, affordable consultants to help navigate the complexities of government. I worked primarily as a contract lobbyist for a startup lobbying firm, focusing on state procurement and legislative budget issues.
Founder & Principal
AM Public Affairs | 2018 – 2019
AM Public Affairs marked my first foray into entrepreneurship. It was during this time that I recognized a growing need among local government agencies, nonprofits, startups, corporations, and small businesses for experienced, affordable consultants to help navigate the complexities of government. I worked primarily as a contract lobbyist for a startup lobbying firm, focusing on state procurement and legislative budget issues.
Legislative Advocate, Analyst, Assistant
Service Employees International Union, Local 1000 | 2008 – 2018
I advocated before the Governor’s Office, the California State Legislature, state agencies, and regulatory bodies. I obtained an expert understanding of the state budget process—regularly monitoring, testifying, and lobbying the Assembly and Senate budget committees, the Governor’s Office, and the Department of Finance. I managed a broad portfolio of issue areas, including—but not limited to—cannabis, civil service reform, district agricultural associations, fairs and expositions, information technology projects, labor, public safety, retirement, state administration, tax collection, and transportation.
Legislative Advocate, Analyst, Assistant
Service Employees International Union, Local 1000 | 2008 – 2018
I advocated before the Governor’s Office, the California State Legislature, state agencies, and regulatory bodies. I obtained an expert understanding of the state budget process—regularly monitoring, testifying, and lobbying the Assembly and Senate budget committees, the Governor’s Office, and the Department of Finance. I managed a broad portfolio of issue areas, including—but not limited to—cannabis, civil service reform, district agricultural associations, fairs and expositions, information technology projects, labor, public safety, retirement, state administration, tax collection, and transportation.
Legislative Advocate, Analyst, Assistant
Service Employees International Union, Local 1000 | 2008 – 2018
I advocated before the Governor’s Office, the California State Legislature, state agencies, and regulatory bodies. I obtained an expert understanding of the state budget process—regularly monitoring, testifying, and lobbying the Assembly and Senate budget committees, the Governor’s Office, and the Department of Finance. I managed a broad portfolio of issue areas, including—but not limited to—cannabis, civil service reform, district agricultural associations, fairs and expositions, information technology projects, labor, public safety, retirement, state administration, tax collection, and transportation.
Legislative Intern to Assemblymember Paul Krekorian
California State Assembly | 2008
I staffed the Assemblymember on the Arts and Entertainment Committee and played a key role in drafting, introducing, and staffing AB 2677, which addressed public and private investments in corporations profiting from genocide. I also planned and coordinated the 2008 William Saroyan Bicentennial Art Event at the State Capitol.
Legislative Intern to Assemblymember Paul Krekorian
California State Assembly | 2008
I staffed the Assemblymember on the Arts and Entertainment Committee and played a key role in drafting, introducing, and staffing AB 2677, which addressed public and private investments in corporations profiting from genocide. I also planned and coordinated the 2008 William Saroyan Bicentennial Art Event at the State Capitol.
Legislative Intern to Assemblymember Paul Krekorian
California State Assembly | 2008
I staffed the Assemblymember on the Arts and Entertainment Committee and played a key role in drafting, introducing, and staffing AB 2677, which addressed public and private investments in corporations profiting from genocide. I also planned and coordinated the 2008 William Saroyan Bicentennial Art Event at the State Capitol.
education
education
education
Bachelor's Degree in Government
California State University, Sacramento | Graduated: May 2008
Bachelor's Degree in Government
California State University, Sacramento | Graduated: May 2008
Bachelor's Degree in Government
California State University, Sacramento | Graduated: May 2008
Volunteer & Board Service
Volunteer & Board Service
Volunteer & Board Service
Pacific Crest Trail Association | Board of Directors, Chair of the Board Governance Committee, Executive Committee Member | 2022 to present
Pacific Crest Trail Association | Board of Directors, Chair of the Board Governance Committee, Executive Committee Member | 2022 to present
Pacific Crest Trail Association | Board of Directors, Chair of the Board Governance Committee, Executive Committee Member | 2022 to present
Linda Vista Planning Group | Board of Directors, Board Secretary, Chair of the Zoning and Land Use Subcommittee | 2020 to 2025
Linda Vista Planning Group | Board of Directors, Board Secretary, Chair of the Zoning and Land Use Subcommittee | 2020 to 2025
Linda Vista Planning Group | Board of Directors, Board Secretary, Chair of the Zoning and Land Use Subcommittee | 2020 to 2025
skills
skills
skills
Grant Writing: Experienced in building relationships with grantmaking foundations and government agencies, conducting in-depth grant opportunity research, and developing compelling, results-driven applications.
Grant Writing: Experienced in building relationships with grantmaking foundations and government agencies, conducting in-depth grant opportunity research, and developing compelling, results-driven applications.
Grant Writing: Experienced in building relationships with grantmaking foundations and government agencies, conducting in-depth grant opportunity research, and developing compelling, results-driven applications.
State and Local Procurement: Expertise in pre-bid meetings, proposal development, competitor analysis, vendor partner identification and qualification, as well as post-award representation and debrief support.
State and Local Procurement: Expertise in pre-bid meetings, proposal development, competitor analysis, vendor partner identification and qualification, as well as post-award representation and debrief support.
State and Local Procurement: Expertise in pre-bid meetings, proposal development, competitor analysis, vendor partner identification and qualification, as well as post-award representation and debrief support.
Public Outreach: Skilled in developing and executing community outreach and engagement plans, media relations and press strategy, crisis and issue management, media training, and digital advocacy campaigns.
Public Outreach: Skilled in developing and executing community outreach and engagement plans, media relations and press strategy, crisis and issue management, media training, and digital advocacy campaigns.
Public Outreach: Skilled in developing and executing community outreach and engagement plans, media relations and press strategy, crisis and issue management, media training, and digital advocacy campaigns.
California Lobbyist: Experienced in direct lobbying, coalition development, and policy tracking and analysis, with specialized expertise in the California state budget process and highly regulated industries.
California Lobbyist: Experienced in direct lobbying, coalition development, and policy tracking and analysis, with specialized expertise in the California state budget process and highly regulated industries.
California Lobbyist: Experienced in direct lobbying, coalition development, and policy tracking and analysis, with specialized expertise in the California state budget process and highly regulated industries.