Earning his bachelor’s degree in journalism with minors in political science and sports studies, Martin was determined to forge his path in sports journalism. Hosting a WQAQ radio show and securing an internship at NFL Films, Martin’s dreams were full speed ahead.

Unexpectedly, the COVID-19 pandemic derailed his career plans, redirecting his attention toward the heightened political environment. Disheartened by the chaos, Martin’s passion shifted to a desire to restore public trust with transparent and impactful communication.

“While I’m passionate about sports, I realized it would be a disservice to focus on athletic achievements when the country was facing larger crises,” said Martin. 

After graduating, Martin secured a digital fellowship with Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, Steny Hoyer. This experience led him to a position with Senator Cortez Masto of Nevada, guiding her digital presence during the 2022 midterm elections. 

Martin later had the opportunity to be a senior communications adviser for Senator George Helmy. 

“Being a senior communications adviser for Senator Helmy was one of the best professional experiences I ever had,” said Martin. “Senator Helmy worked tirelessly to make his mark on a chamber that had held some of America’s most historic figures and he certainly did. From a number of strong youth mental health bills to delivering consistent and reliable constituent services, to his trip to the Middle East to learn more about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Senator Helmy certainly worked far harder than his 99 colleagues during his time on Capitol Hill and I was overjoyed to see it firsthand.”

With this invaluable experience under his belt, Martin went on to join the team of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi as a press secretary and digital manager.

“To serve someone who has shaped history, shattered ceilings and never backed down from a fight for what’s right is both a professional milestone and a personal honor,” he said. “It’s the kind of role that makes every twist and turn along the journey feel worth it.”

In this role, Martin sits at the intersection of traditional media and digital strategy managing incoming media inquiries, coordinating with reporters and drafting written materials including official statements, press releases, speeches and talking points. On the digital front, Martin creates content for social media, designs creative assets and guides the overall voice and storytelling strategy across platforms.

In this fast-paced and mission-driven environment, Martin is responsible for clearly communicating Speaker Emerita’s priorities and values to national and local audiences.

“The biggest challenge is the pace — news moves at the speed of a tweet and so must we,” said Martin. “Political communications at this level requires you to be deeply strategic and endlessly reactive, often at the same time. You also need to operate with precision in an environment where words — whether spoken in a press release or posted on social media — can have national or even global implications. Every sentence is scrutinized, every decision has ripple effects and you don’t always get the luxury of a second draft. So attention to detail is paramount.”

To maintain a level of confidence and motivation in this high-stakes landscape, Martin highlights the importance of mindset.

“Navigating those challenges requires a deep well of discipline, clarity of purpose and trust in your team,” he said. “You have to know your boss’s voice inside and out, stay grounded in your mission and be willing to adjust without losing the thread. I’ve learned to treat every moment — whether it’s a press call or a crisis — as an opportunity to communicate values, not just information. That mindset helps keep you steady, even when the headlines aren’t.”

Martin emphasizes the reward that comes from his position while recognizing the skills that he has gained along the way.

“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is how to stay calm in chaos,” said Martin. “Political communications — especially at the national level — is often a storm of competing priorities, rapid-fire deadlines and high-stakes decision-making. Being able to take a breath, assess the moment and respond with clarity rather than emotion has served me again and again.”

Through his first-hand experience, Martin has witnessed the transformative power of practicing active listening and catering his communication strategy to best resonate with its intended audiences.

“Honing my ability to translate complex issues into compelling narratives — ones that resonate with both journalists and everyday people — has opened doors and built trust with stakeholders, interest groups and the constituents we serve,” he said. “I’ve also come to appreciate the power of listening. Politics is ultimately about people and the more you listen to them — really listen — the better communicator you become.”

Over the course of his career, Martin has experienced defining moments, reminding him of his purpose and calling. One of these moments was organizing and executing an event featuring former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. 

“Seeing Secretary Clinton speak powerfully about the unfinished fight for gender equality — and watching students and young girls be visibly inspired — was a career-defining moment,” said Martin. “It reminded me why storytelling, public service and inclusive representation matter so deeply. Being part of an event that lifted voices across generations and backgrounds wasn’t just professionally rewarding — it was personally unforgettable.”

Achieving such a notable career in his early 20s, Martin remains motivated and inspired to drive meaningful change.

“Looking ahead, my goal is to continue doing meaningful work that cut through the noise and elevate the voices of those fighting for equity, democracy and justice,” he said. “I want to stay at the forefront of political communication, not just reacting to the moment but shaping the narrative in a way that inspires civic engagement and drives real change. Long term, I’d love to help mentor the next generation of communicators — especially those who, like me, didn’t come from a political dynasty or elite network but had the grit, dedication and drive to make a difference. If my work helps inform, inspire or empower even a few people to take action or feel heard, then I know I’m on the right path.”  

Reflecting on his journey, Martin hopes that his accomplishments serve as a testimony to persistence.

“Since committing to this path, I’ve interviewed for over 35 positions. I’ve sat across the table from Mayors, Congress members, electoral candidates, Senators, and even White House officials — each time hoping that this would be the opportunity that changed my life,” said Martin. “And every time, I walked away a little sharper, a little more prepared for the next one. Rejection is part of the process. Growth is too. If you keep your head up, keep improving your craft, and stay grounded in your purpose, someone will notice. That’s how I ended up working for the greatest Speaker of the House in American history.”

For students interested in pursuing careers in political communication, Martin encourages fellow Bobcats to seize every opportunity and let ambition lead their efforts. 

“Go make it happen. Get an internship, cold email staffers, build a portfolio, practice your writing and say yes to every opportunity — even if it’s at the state or local level,” said Martin. “On top of that, Quinnipiac has a phenomenal faculty in both the political science and communications departments who are ready to support you. The path to Capitol Hill or the campaign trail isn’t linear, but it’s more accessible than ever. You don’t need to wait for permission — just start showing up.”