Professor Martin, a proud descendant of the Yuin people of the NSW South Coast born and raised at La Perouse has been a long-time advocate, mentor and driver of enhanced education outcomes for First Nations students. Professor Martin is the Director of The Australian National University (ANU) Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre, which provides a meeting place and support base for ANU First Nations students and staff.
From 2006-2018 she was the Co-Chair of the NAIDOC committee celebrating the rich history, culture and achievements of First Nations peoples. In addition, Professor Martin has served on boards and been a member of many other organisations including the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples, the Indigenous Advisory Board at Adelaide University and Human Rights Board UNSW. She has also served on a number of community focussed boards including the KARI Foundation and Community First Development.
In 2017, Professor Martin was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the World Indigenous Nations University in recognition of her contributions to a broad Indigenous education agenda with a particular emphasis on student success. In the 2019 Australia Day Honour Awards Professor Martin was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia and was in the same year awarded the ACT Senior Woman of the year. In 2025, in recognition of her contribution to enhancing education outcomes for First Nations students using inclusivity and cultural knowledge, Professor Martin was awarded the degree of Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa by Charles Darwin University.
Professor Martin is the Chair of the Pat Turner Scholarship Advisory Group.
