Marteha D. Stewart

November Alumni Spotlight

LEAP Academy Class of 1995

I currently work for a non-profit organization that coordinates services for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. I function as Human Resources Coordinator. A few of my responsibilities include recruitment, administering employee benefits, and employee compensation. I have been employed at this agency for over 6 years and take great pride in being a part of the organization’s mission of being people-driven, committed, and progressive.

After graduating from LEAP Academy in 2005, I attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick. During my undergraduate career I studied abroad in Rome, Italy, was awarded two scholarships for academic achievement, participated in the school’s work study program where I gained valuable employment experience, I mentored through EOF’s Peer Mentor Program, volunteered on-campus in my spare time, and was a featured artist in an exhibit held at the Mason Gross School of the Arts.  I received my bachelor’s degree in 2010.

Being a part of the school’s first graduating class was difficult and, in a way, experimental. There weren’t any other local schools that implemented the practices that LEAP had in place for its students. While other kids were enjoying the evening we had to remain in school until 5pm. While everyone else enjoyed the summer we were stuck in school through July. We couldn’t wear what we wanted because we had uniforms. It felt like we were being punished but, in retrospect, those high standards played a factor in my advancement and success.

LEAP Academy emphasizing the importance of higher education, and pushed me to be my best. I am the first college graduate in my immediate family, and without the advocacy I received from LEAP staff, I would not have had the exposure and resources to higher education that were made available to me through the school. I graduated from high school with enough funds from financial aid and scholarships to not have to pay anything out of pocket for the first three years of my undergraduate education. That was due to having a great advisor at LEAP. Travel experience through the Ambassador Program in Puerto Rico, small classroom sizes, one-on-one attention from teachers, and being able to tour colleges and university was extremely beneficial.

Outside of working, I enjoy drawing, painting, sewing and visiting art galleries and museums in my spare time. I am currently in the process of purchasing a house, so before the year is over, I’ll be a home owner!