Anna Martinez, Head of Programme, ADPH London

For Anna Martinez, a career in public health began with curiosity, opportunity and a global perspective. After completing a psychology degree, she travelled abroad and had the opportunity to work for UNAIDS. That experience proved transformative and, within two years, she knew public health was where she wanted to build her career. Returning to the UK, she completed a Master’s degree and began the journey that would lead her into senior leadership within the public health system.

Throughout her career, Anna has embraced a simple philosophy: maintain a can-do attitude, stay open to opportunities that stretch your skills and knowledge, take calculated risks, and never stop learning. This mindset has enabled her to work across complex public health challenges and build a broad portfolio of experience.

One surprising chapter in her career saw her working alongside television presenter Davina McCall on a Channel 4 series focused on sex education, demonstrating the diverse and sometimes unexpected opportunities that public health professionals can encounter.

Anna is particularly motivated by “the power of the collective” and the ability of public health professionals, partners and communities to come together to achieve meaningful change. Among her proudest achievements is spending eight years campaigning to make sex education a statutory part of the curriculum, a milestone she believes has significant benefits for the health and wellbeing of future generations. Her continuing passion lies in improving the health of young people and ensuring they have the knowledge and support they need to thrive.