Today we’d like to introduce you to Martina Edwards.
Hi Martina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
At the age of 21, I graduated with my B.S. in finance from Tuskegee University (a historically black college and university), left my Southern roots and made my mark on Wall Street.
After three years and two promotions, I earned a unique opportunity to become a member of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on behalf of Merrill Lynch – making me the first Black woman equity trader for the NYSE in its 200+ year history and also for my firm.
Many have asked, “How did the little girl who grew up in a 2-bedroom mobile home in rural Alabama with livestock in the backyard make it to the Big Apple, let alone the Big Board?” I had no precedence for the work as no one in my immediate circle talked about or discussed stocks or even money for the most part. But what I did see growing up were a lot of hard-working people. I believe that my story illustrates that circumstances, identity, socioeconomic status, and social capital do not determine your outcome.
My five years at the NYSE were my first foray into financial markets and served as a launchpad for the rewarding and impactful work that I do today. My 20-year career journey has spanned multiple industries from public to private equity, non-profit leadership and venture capital. An investor by trade, I have dedicated my life to investing in not only marketable securities and assets but also underserved people and places. These investments have provided me with some of my most rewarding experiences as I’ve been able to create pathways for diverse talent to access the financial services industry. Today my work sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, wealth creation and economic mobility.
Currently, I wear dual hats as Chief of Strategic Partnerships for Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) and as Venture Partner for Zane Venture Fund. ACE is the largest exclusively small business-focused CDFI in the state of Georgia, providing capital, coaching, and connections to underserved entrepreneurs. ACE has provided over $100 million in loans to small businesses to help them grow, spur job creation and resilient communities. Zane is a first-time VC fundraising $25M, focused on investing in early-stage companies with diverse founding teams in the Southeast.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
While my life has been abundantly blessed, it has not come without challenges. Outwardly looking in, you often see the highs, but it has been a journey with ebbs and flows requiring me to at times recalibrate and reexamine myself, purpose and passions. I have certainly had moments of doubt where I had to dig deep to push through to achieve the greatness that was in store for me.
A few moments come to mind: Being young and watching my family experience financial hardships shaped my philosophy on money management. My upbringing was a stark contrast to my career working at the New York Stock Exchange – the premier and largest global exchange where buyers and sellers come together to trade shares of public companies.
My first week reporting to the NYSE was the week of 9/11. In fact, I had been in the Twin Towers the morning of 9/11. The World Trade Center was my train stop. As I prepared myself for work that morning, I had no idea that I would witness a hijacked plane fly over my head and explode into the World Trade Center (South building). Everyday thereafter, whenever I walked through ground zero, I lived with a constant reminder to cherish life, make every day count and seize moments.
In 2006 I chose to leave the Exchange to pursue an MBA and two years later found myself graduating from business school in the midst of the 2008 financial crisis. Although I secured a well-paying job in investment management, 9-months later, I underwent a restructure and lost my job. While thousands of others across the globe were enduring something similar… after shattering glass ceilings and becoming a historical first, it was a humbling experience. Even still, I believe that my steps are ordered and that every twist and turn was molding and shaping me into the resilient individual and strong leader that I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
With 20 years of leadership experience, I deliver solid results in operations, strategy, and fundraising. In my first two years, I helped ACE secure its largest seven-figure individual and corporate grants, respectively. Prior to joining Zane Venture Fund and ACE, I was Vice President, Corporate Partnerships at Points of Light in Atlanta and Senior Director of Alternative Investments for Sponsors for Educational Opportunity in New York City. I also served as Interim Executive Director and Director of Finance for a Kaplan Higher Education college in Maryland, a Private Client Manager at US Trust and a New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Equity Trader for Merrill Lynch.
I would say that I am a socially-minded business professional interested in making impact along public and private sector partnerships, as well as both community and economic empowerment opportunities. I leverage qualitative and analytical skills to produce innovative solutions, improve outcomes, impact strategic planning, and develop strong relationships with diverse constituents – C-suite executives, community and civic leaders, and philanthropists. I am actively engaged in my community and proudly serve as a Leadership Council member for Junior Achievement of Georgia, which empowers youth around financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I staunchly believe that representation matters and inspiring the next generation of leaders, especially young women of color who might see themselves in me. I am a walking example of how access, hard work and tenacity can dramatically shift the trajectory of a person’s life.
As I think about personal legacy, I know that success does not equal significance. For five years, I led an alternative investment fellowship program in NYC to ensure others gained access to the industry. Today, supporting traditionally overlooked small business owners and entrepreneurs with innovative ideas is core to my work. Going forward, I will continue to share my gifts and talents in a meaningful way to help create collective prosperity, democratize access to capital and expand opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.martinamarshalledwards.com/
- Instagram: @martinamedwards
- Twitter: @martinamedwards
