05-03-2025
Remarkable Women: Kiawa Martinez
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — March is Women's History Month and KFDX, KJTL and Texoma's Homepage are recognizing the contributions and the achievements of women who make a lasting impact in Texoma.
Kiawa Martinez, who is on a mission to prevent domestic violence, starts our list of Remarkable Women in 2025.
In a career that revolves around the darkness of abuse and trauma Martinez is a light that shines bright for those who need it most.
'I want to be a voice for those who are scared to have a voice or that they don't know that they can,' Martinez said.
Martinez does that regularly as a community trainer for First Step.
'First Step is a nonprofit in Wichita Falls that helps anybody who's going through domestic violence and sexual assault,' Martinez said. 'We not only serve Wichita Falls, but we serve the 12 surrounding counties as well.'
Since joining the nonprofit in May 2023, Martinez has worked tirelessly to promote safe and healthy relationships.
'We do community education, so we get into the schools and talk to the youth about healthy relationships,' Martinez said. 'We didn't have these conversations when I was in high school [or] middle school. I didn't know what a healthy relationship was and a lot of these kids, they need that.'
First Step also works with those who hold offenders accountable.
'We talk with law enforcement, build relationships with law enforcement so that they know what to do when they come across a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault,' Martinez said.
Martinez's deep understanding and compassion for the victims she serves are rooted in her own terrifying experience.
'When I was in college, I was sexually assaulted and I didn't know that I could have a voice. I had no idea that First Step was even there,' Martinez said. 'I had no guidance, I didn't know what to do. That gives me a lot of the motive to do what I do.'
Her motivation has sparked big initiatives. In January 2024, Martinez spearheaded the Allred Battering Intervention and Prevention Program. It's a 24-week course providing services to violent offenders, which teaches the fundamentals of developing nonviolent and equal partnerships. It's accredited through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and offered to Allred inmates. It's the only program of its kind offered in Texas.
'These are the guys that have gone to prison for assaulting their partners, and there is a room full of men that could have multiple assault or family violence charges, or there are some that have murder charges because of what they've done. You still have to create a safe and comfortable space for them because it is a hard conversation,' Martinez said.
Those hard conversations have garnered Martinez some Texas-sized attention. She was honored with the Advocate of the Year award by the Texas Council on Family Violence.
TCFV Prevention Manager William West said her work to end violence in her community made her the standout choice.
First Step is just one of many organizations Martinez dedicates her time to. She sits on the boards of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wichita County and the Wichita County Child Welfare Board. She's also a part of the Early Childhood Coalition and Child Abuse Prevention Group.
Her fight for justice is a truly remarkable act, which makes her a Remarkable Woman.
Due to the federal cuts and other circumstances, First Step is at risk of closing its doors for good.
To help the organization continue its mission of helping victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault — along with furthering the community's education on the subject matter with its resources — click here.
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