Rye Martinez is an experienced strategist, community organizer, creative director, writer, and public speaker. She empowers disadvantaged communities by advocating for equity across the state of South Carolina. Rye founded Empower South Carolina, an organization established to advance legislative, administrative, and other underlying policies that directly impact communities of color. Rye has been recognized by the South Carolina House of Representatives for the Partner in Progress award for her loyalty and commitment as a community advocate in the city of Columbia. She has led and strategized social campaigns in partnership with other local community organizations. She has also served on local political campaigns as an event organizer and social media strategist for public engagement. 

Rye majored in Criminal Justice and graduated from Columbia Southern University. She is a native of Columbia, SC where she currently resides.