Marteece’ D. Waters

Marteece’ D. Waters is a passionate educator, certified mental health coach, and dedicated community leader committed to empowering and developing youth and young adults.  Marteece’s experience includes being a 4th grade teacher, program and workshop facilitator, and he continues to build bridges across communities, especially for underserved and at-risk youth.

Position

As a Resource Specialist, Marteece' works with individuals ages 14–24 who have been affected by gang activity, the justice system, and/or the foster care system, helping them explore and access higher education opportunities, making college more affordable and achievable. Marteece' also supports their social, emotional, and academic growth through monthly sessions and workshops. His work centers on creating equitable pathways to success, strengthening cross-agency coordination and community engagement to advance systemic change.

Experience

Marteece' brings a strong background in education, youth development, and community involvement. He previously served as a classroom teacher, where he helped improve state testing performance through innovative instruction and relationship-driven teaching. For over a decade, he has focused on increasing students’ academic, social, and leadership skills—particularly through his work with inner-city male students in grades 6–8 with the Kool Boyz Foundation in Youngstown, Ohio, and Dreams Academy in Akron, Ohio. His efforts have included mentoring, personal development, and financial literacy. Marteece' also co-leads The Village Is Us, a nonprofit he and his wife founded to uplift and strengthen families, creating safe spaces for parents to learn, heal, and grow while empowering them through connection and meaningful conversation.