Ina Martinez-Walker, MPM, SAFe, SM, ITIL, is an accomplished information technology product manager at Boeing, where she plays a crucial role in managing applications that house airplane configurations. Her work involves overseeing various aircraft projects, including those related to the President’s plane. She takes immense pride in her contributions, recognizing the significant responsibility of ensuring her work’s safety and precision. She values Boeing’s culture of inclusivity and collaboration, embracing the opportunity to work alongside professionals from diverse backgrounds. She approaches her responsibilities with a mindset of quality and accountability, always prioritizing the well-being of others in her professional decisions.
Ms. Martinez-Walker’s academic background laid a strong foundation for her success. She earned a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where she developed a deep understanding of technical processes and problem-solving. Later, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in project management, graduating cum laude from Colorado Technical University. She recognized the importance of furthering her expertise and obtained a Master of Science in project management from the same institution. She is working toward a Doctor of Management in organizational development and change at Colorado Technical University, reinforcing her commitment to continuous learning and leadership development.
Ms. Martinez-Walker’s career path has been shaped by her early experiences in chemical engineering and project coordination. Inspired by her father, an engineer, she developed a passion for mathematics and science from a young age. She initially pursued chemical engineering but had to pause her studies to support her family during a challenging time. She later worked as a research chemist and field engineer, conducting emissions testing at chemical engineering plants. One of her most notable contributions during this period was a test that saved a company $2.1 million. This experience sparked her curiosity about the decision-making processes behind such cost-saving measures, ultimately leading her to explore project management as a career.
Ms. Martinez-Walker’s professional journey includes a range of roles in project management, each of which has contributed to her expertise. Before joining Boeing in her current role in 2022, she worked as an information technology project manager at Club Car. Earlier in her career at Boeing, she was a PMO information technology project manager. She also gained valuable experience as an information technology project manager at Wells Fargo Advisors, a PMO SAP-project coordinator at MilliporeSigma, and a project coordinator at ERM Technologies Inc. Her career evolution demonstrates her ability to adapt to different industries while consistently focusing on process improvement and organizational efficiency.
Throughout her career, Ms. Martinez-Walker has remained committed to mentoring others and fostering team leadership. She recognizes that many individuals aspire to management positions for the title rather than the responsibilities, and she actively works to guide aspiring professionals in understanding the true nature of leadership. She attributes much of her success to her ability to identify and highlight relevant project management responsibilities in her previous roles, which helped her transition into leadership positions. Her strategic approach to career growth has also resulted in opportunities for higher-level roles, such as director positions in program management, which she intends to pursue in the future.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Martinez-Walker is deeply involved in community service. She has volunteered as a Peruvian Spanish translator for Missions.Me’s 1Nation 1Day initiative, an experience that allowed her to contribute to global outreach efforts. She has also dedicated time to the Belleville Area Humane Society as an animal care volunteer and has supported the Violence Prevention Center of Southwest Illinois. Additionally, she participated in Project Grace’s Red Carpet Team, demonstrating her commitment to charitable and service-oriented initiatives.
Born in San Antonio, Ms. Martinez-Walker enjoys golfing and spending quality time with her family and friends. She and her spouse, Keith Walker, are passionate about fostering meaningful connections and embracing life’s experiences. As she looks toward the future, she remains dedicated to completing her doctorate and advancing within Boeing, focusing on organizational development. She aspires to drive efficiency and safety improvements in manufacturing processes while inspiring her colleagues to embrace change and continuous learning. She believes that while leadership plays a crucial role in shaping an organization, true transformation comes from the collective efforts of individuals willing to adapt and grow. Her career exemplifies perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence in both professional and personal endeavors.