To fill out the form to request a speaking engagement with Dr. Martín Alberto Gonzalez, please click here.
Or click on this link:
https://forms.gle/grUWBqky3JcbyEP88
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Reviews from students:
"Thank you Dr. Gonzalez i didn’t really think about all the beautiful things in Oxnard but now that i think about it i really like scenery and now if people treat me [differently because of] where i live i can just tell them that Oxnard isn’t just gangs and bad people but that there is many beautiful things that outsiders don’t see."
—8th Grade Student Fremont Middle School in Oxnard
"He’s the first speaker I’ve ever been in the presence of that made me feel at home. As a Latina, you rarely meet speakers that are the same color as you, much less a speaker that talks like you, or comes from a similar background as you. I truly admire how far he’s come and how much he advocates for his people. Such a moving presentation!"
—Carina Saucedo, LHS President University of St. Francis
"I’ve never experienced a presentation like that before. I felt comfortable and engaged in the presentation and I would tell my homie to listen to [your] words and really think about it more than the words they are."
–High School Student
"When you arrived and began telling your stories I realized you were once like us. You went through your experiences in Oxnard and school and you want things to change and show people Oxnard ins’t just ghetto. Everyone should be proud of their skin color."
–High School Student
"What you stand up for I believe is incredible. As a Chicano I can relate to most of the things you talked about. Your presentation was very interesting and engaging. I even had to purchase your book so I can learn more about what you’ve experienced being from Chiques"
–High School Student
"I don’t even read, but I’m going to read your book." (paraphrased)
–High School Student
"I hope that people listen to what you are saying and make a decision on what they want to do in life. I really liked how you said ‘You are an investment--you are worth more than you know.’"
–High School Student
"I truly believe you opened the eyes of many and spoke purely out of experiences. You inspired me to speak up more and you writing a book gave me a reality check that I can do it too."
–High School Student
Presentation Reviews:
"I am a library clerk at a K-8 STEAM School in Oxnard, and we had Dr. Gonzalez present his book "The Key to the City" to our students. The presentation was so important to our students because there might be some with the mindset that Oxnard is not the best place to live, which is not the case! There is so much beauty in Oxnard and Dr. Gonzalez gave a great depiction of this. It is very important for youth/kids to know that being bilingual is an amazing gift to have. It lets them know that it will open so many more doors for them in the future. I enjoyed the vivid colored illustrations as I was able to imagine those places that I drive by at times."
–Tania Andrade, Library Clerk, Rio Del Sol STEAM Academy
"I highly recommend Mr. Gonzalez speak with any youth, especially youth from the Port Hueneme and Oxnard areas. Mr. Gonzalez is able to adjust his presentation style to fit the needs of particular grade levels. When he came to speak with our students we split up the lower grades from the upper grades. Even though the PowerPoint presented by Mr. Gonzalez was the same, he was able to tailor each performance for the grade levels. The students were engaged, laughing when appropriate, always thinking deeply about what the author had to say. The message that Mr. Gonzalez delivers is clear: nobody can tell our children what they can or cannot be-- our children can achieve ANYTHING they want as long as they stay true to themselves. If schools are looking for an inspirational leader who can connect with children of all ages, then they should seek to have Mr. Gonzalez speak to their students. His positive energy will inspire and influence children to dig deep and feel comfortable in their own skin."
–Principal Pelayo, Larsen Elementary School, Oxnard, CA
"Martin Gonzalez volunteered to come and speak to my 7th and 8th grade students. His presentation was spectacular and was exactly what these students needed to hear. The students were completely enthralled throughout his presentation. His inspiring message of cultural pride engaged students, and pushed their thinking towards self-realization, cultural insight and life goals they can obtain in the future.I would definitely recommend Martin as a guest speaker to any institution of education or where people could use his insightful knowledge. Martin is from Oxnard and he definitely knows where our students are coming from and can speak their language. As a result, I feel that he has more pull with students. Additionally, his book presentation was an integral part of his message. His book has inspired students to take more pride in their culture and living environment. Students walked away feeling a sense of pride for the Oxnard area and was like a Martin was a breath of fresh air compared to all the negative press that Oxnard receives. The stories were easy for students to understand and more importantly, relatable to the students in a positive manner. As a teacher who didn’t grow up in this area, his presentation gave me a better sense of where students are coming from, their thought process, and shed a very positive light on this socio-economically depressed area. Martin’s performance as a speaker was as though he were on a stage getting paid thousands of dollars to be a motivational speaker. The students related to his message, were engaged, and overall highly motivated to hear his message and see his vision.In the future, I will be asking Mr. Gonzalez back to speak to future generations of our students. Students need to continue to hear his important message and engage in his cultural interchange."
–Mr. Wilcox, E.O. Green Middle School, Oxnard, CA
Reviews from teachers in Dr. G's workshops at equity conference:
"Where do I begin? Dr. Gonzalez was mind blowing. He honored differences, discussed all of the isms. He was interactive and invigorating."
"AMAZING! Dr. G. was beyond helpful. His words really make you challenge your own thoughts and biases. I LOVED that he said OUT LOUD stop saying "I'm colorblind." It's something that needs to be talked about more."
"Dr. Gonzalez is so passionate and an amazing advocate for students while also supporting and encouraging teachers in their work."