Some stories begin with a place.
For Elizabeth Martínez, that place is Puebla, Mexico—a part of the world she carries with her through the traditions, colors, and craftsmanship that fill Martínez Imports, her business in Passaic.
But Elizabeth’s story is not only about preserving where she comes from. It is also about giving back to the community she now calls home.
At UNETE Foundation, our work begins in communities like Passaic and Paterson, where families from different backgrounds come together, build their lives, and create new chapters for generations to come. We believe that community is strengthened when people use what they have— their time, their voice, their business, or their resources—to help others.
Elizabeth does exactly that.
Through Martínez Imports, she brings pieces of Mexico into the heart of Passaic. Bright alebrijes, traditional Talavera pottery, handmade crafts, and products from different regions of Mexico tell stories of heritage, family, and identity.
For Elizabeth, these objects are more than beautiful pieces. They are reminders of the people and traditions that came before us—and of the importance of making sure those stories are not forgotten.
That same sense of responsibility is reflected in the way she supports her community.
Elizabeth understands that preserving our heritage means little if we do not also protect the people who carry it forward. That is why she chose to support UNETE Foundation and our work to make preventive health and early detection more accessible to women facing barriers to care.
Her message is simple:
“All of that is important when it comes to preventing cancer in women. It is good to support this work precisely for that reason—to encourage people to go for their checkups.”
Sometimes, saving a life begins with a conversation.
Sometimes, it begins with a reminder to schedule a screening.
And sometimes, it begins with someone in the community deciding to stand behind an organization that is making those opportunities possible.
Elizabeth’s support has helped UNETE reach more women with preventive screenings and health services—services that can lead to early detection and, ultimately, more lives saved.
Her contribution is a reminder that philanthropy does not always begin with something extraordinary. It can begin with a business owner opening her doors, believing in a cause, and choosing to use her place in the community to help someone else.
Through Martínez Imports, Elizabeth preserves the stories of where we come from. Through her support of UNETE, she is helping protect the stories that are still being written.
We are grateful to Elizabeth Martínez and Martínez Imports for standing with UNETE Foundation and for believing that prevention, access to care, and community support can change the course of a life.
Because behind every screening is a person.
Behind every person is a family.
And behind every life saved is a community that chose to care.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for being part of that community.
