Who We Are
Learn More About Us
We are Wendy's family and friends. We are the torchbearers of Wendy's legacy, continuing her mission after her untimely departure on September 18th, 2018 due to a senseless act of violence in the heart of our nation's Capital
Our Mission
The Wendy Martinez Legacy Project honors Wendy through partnerships, advancing inclusive leadership, opportunities in technology for women, and advocacy for running safety
Our Vision
Wendy’s light did not end when her life was taken — it expanded. Today, it lives through every donor, volunteer, runner, mentor, scholarship recipient, and partner who chooses to build something better in her name. When you lock arms with us, you are not just supporting a cause — you are advancing a movement rooted in courage, love, service, and No Fear.
We envision a world where young professionals step boldly into leadership, with a strong commitment to uplifting and advancing Latinos in boardrooms, startups, nonprofits, corporations, legislation, and beyond.
We envision a world where running is practiced with strength and No Fear — where everyone can lace up, move freely - especially, women - and claim the road as a place of vitality, courage, and community.
We envision a world where women are not just participants in technology, but architects of it — shaping innovation, leading in STEM, and ensuring the promise of technology reflects and serves the communities it was meant to uplift.
Together, we don’t just remember Wendy, we are multiplying her impact.
We are building the future she always believed in.
Our Core Values
EXCELLENCE
Wendy reached for the pinnacle and so do we in all our endeavors
INTEGRITY
Wendy moved in the world with the highest ethical standards and our partnerships mirror our values
LOVE WINS
Wendys core belief - Love always wins
Meet the Board
We are Wendy's family and friends. We are the torchbearers of Wendy's legacy, continuing her mission after her untimely departure on September 18th, 2018 due to a senseless act of violence in the heart of our nation's Capital
Cora Martinez
Cora is a mother, a granny and a Christ follower. She holds a Master’s in business from
Southeastern University. She leads with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. As
Wendy’s mother, Cora is deeply committed to honoring and ensuring her daughter’s legacy lives on through runners’ safety, women empowerment, and community impact.
Juan Carlos Martinez
Juan Carlos Martinez serves as Vice President of the Wendy Martinez Legacy Project, supporting efforts that advance runner safety, community impact, and women’s empowerment. He works as an IT specialist, bringing structure and strategy to the organization’s growth. As Wendy’s brother and Cora Martinez’s son, his commitment to the mission is both personal and deeply rooted in legacy
Erica Chicola
Erica is Senior Director for Public Affairs at FTI Consulting. She began her career in
international development and currently serves on the Board of the Latin American Youth Center. Erica has a Master of Global Policy from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.
Kristina Moore
Kristina Moore is mom to her son Finn and a partner at an international law firm. She
has spent her career in Washington D.C., operating at the center of law, policy, and the media.
Luz Enid Heine
Luz Heine works with her husband growing their construction company and raising their children, Chris and Caroline.
Patrice Webb
Patrice Webb is a government and public affairs strategist and certified grief coach with over 20 years of experience building partnerships across sectors and ideologies. She advises national organizations, corporations, and nonprofits on navigating complex issues, strengthening trust, and advancing collaborative solutions in high-stakes environments. A co-founding board member of the Wendy Martinez Legacy Foundation, Patrice supports efforts to promote community safety, compassion, and collective healing—grounded in her belief that meaningful progress begins when people feel seen, heard, and safe to engage.
Jennifer Thomas
Gerald Yao
Gerald Yao co-founded FiscalNote in 2013 and has served on its Board since inception. He previously led strategy, ESG, generative AI initiatives, and global expansion, helping build and scale the company’s core functions. In 2025, he transitioned to a full-time Board role and went on to co-found GYBC, an AI-powered software development firm, and launch Socayo, a public benefit corporation focused on expanding access to well-being through technology. He studied finance and sociology at Emory University.
Dena Lewis
Dena Lewis is the Founder and CEO of Running Mate, the first real-time, on-demand runshare app created to make outdoor running safer. A runner for more than 20 years and an ultra marathoner, Lewis was inspired to build the platform after experiencing harassment and surviving two assaults while running alone. Before launching Running Mate, Lewis spent 15 years in medical device sales and leadership roles and successfully exited three prior businesses. Today, she is a nationally sought-after speaker on women’s safety, resilience, and entrepreneurship, appearing on podcasts, panels, and major running event stages across the U.S. Lewis is the driving force behind Running Mate’s mission to eliminate fear from running and empower women to move freely, confidently, and safely.
Honorary Board Members
Daniel Hincapie
