Faces of the Frontline Honors Ingrid Martinez, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

While many may not fully grasp what happens in corridors and rooms of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Baltimore, amid the din of ongoing research and innovation, one individual stands out not only for her exceptional commitment to the tasks at hand, but also for embodying the very notion of a dedicated employee. Ingrid Martinez, a janitor with five years of top-tier service at the laboratory, has helped set the bar for coworkers and peers throughout her tenure. 

When she started at the lab five years ago, the immediate impact she made became a testament to her enduring dedication to maintaining an orderly work environment, allowing progress to proceed without a second thought. Martinez's role often involves undertaking such meticulous tasks as cleaning offices, sanitizing and restocking restrooms, clearing stairwells, restoring order to kitchenettes, and more. She also checks on and maintains spaces like conference rooms and hallways — the types of areas that occupants and visitors often take for granted, ensuring that every nook and cranny is spotless. 

One of Martinez's standout qualities is her eagerness to go above and beyond the call of duty. Whether it's stepping in to cover for colleagues during staff shortages or extending a helping hand beyond her designated zone, she exemplifies a real team player. Her willingness to pick up extra work showcases her commitment to the well-being of the laboratory and its staff, but also the people she works with and the supervisors she works for. 

Her dependable and exceptional work hasn't gone unnoticed. Martinez regularly receives outstanding comments and achievement awards from both management and laboratory partners. To many, she's a beacon of excellence, a peer to learn from and emulate. Her strong work performance lifts the bar for all those around her.  

One of the traits that really sets Martinez apart is her thirst for knowledge, and perhaps more importantly, her eagerness to share it. She displays an interest to constantly learn more about the industry, she actively seeks opportunities to expand her understanding and put new ideas into practice. Moreover, her openness to sharing her knowledge with both new and senior staff members highlights her commitment to being part of a culture of growth and collaboration. 

In an era of staffing challenges and constant turnover, a worker with such an unyielding commitment to her responsibilities, and the ways in which that motivates others, is practically priceless. Martinez has been an exemplary employee, and never lets her personal circumstances dictate her performance. 

Such an individual deserves to be celebrated for the vital role that she and her peers play in the overall and ongoing success and function of valued institutions. 

To nominate an outstanding employee for the Faces of the Frontline series, click here.