Emmanuel Martinez
CFO & FOUNDER
Bright Steps Beyond
Emmanuel Martinez is a co-founder and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Bright Steps Beyond. A young entrepreneur with a passion for both service and innovation, Emmanuel is the original visionary behind Bright Steps Beyond and has played a key role in guiding the organization from idea to impact. During high school, Emmanuel explored the intersection of entrepreneurship and service through programs like Startup Moxie Elkhart County, an immersive experience where he learned directly from local business leaders and pitched real solutions to real problems. After winning the program’s pitch competition, Emmanuel felt called to create something that would go beyond business success and generate meaningful, lasting impact within his community.
That calling became clearer during Emmanuel’s time at Notre Dame Summer Scholars, where a conversation with his roommate about a nonprofit providing shoes to youth athletes sparked the idea to launch a similar initiative in Elkhart County. Emmanuel brought the vision home to his business partners, who became his closest friends, and they immediately got to work. Since its founding, Emmanuel has helped lead fundraising efforts through community events while also overseeing financial planning and sustainability. Emmanuel believes that God placed this mission in his life through the experiences he holds true, and he views Bright Steps Beyond as an opportunity that came directly from Him.
For Emmanuel, giving shoes to a child so they can do what they love is a tangible way to live out the example of Jesus through service, compassion, and action. Outside of Bright Steps Beyond, Emmanuel is a competitive runner and enjoys golfing, playing pickleball, trying new food, playing video games with friends, and watching movies, shows, and sports. He values time with family and friends and will be attending the University of Notre Dame, where he plans to major in Finance, continuing to pursue impact through leadership, faith, and entrepreneurship.