Rebecca I. Martinez Johnson advances victim advocacy and military support in North Carolina

Rebecca I. Martinez Johnson, a bilingual victim advocate and investigator with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, has expanded her public service role with an appointment to the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission. Her career spans corrections, investigations, victim services and historic military service as one of the first four documented Lionesses in ground combat support missions.

Why it matters: - Rebecca I. Martinez Johnson works at the intersection of victim services, criminal investigations and military support in North Carolina. - Her bilingual skills help remove language barriers for victims during high-stress interactions. - Her appointment to the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission expands her reach beyond public safety into support for service members, military families and defense missions.

What happened: - Martinez Johnson serves as a bilingual victim advocate and investigator with Victim Compensation Services at the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. - She was recently appointed to the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission. - She has nearly a decade of experience in the criminal justice field. - Her public service career includes corrections, investigations and victim advocacy.

The details: - At NCDPS, Martinez Johnson supports victims and assists criminal investigations. - She previously worked as a correctional case manager in a medium-custody correctional facility. - She also worked with the DMV License and Theft Bureau. - Her education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Community and Human Services from SUNY Empire State College. - She also earned a master's degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration from American Military University. - Her academic background is tied to leadership, growth and victim advocacy. - Martinez Johnson served in the United States military as one of the Lionesses. - She was one of the first four women officially documented conducting ground combat missions in support of military operations. - The Lionesses were featured in Army Times and Marine Times. - The Lionesses were also highlighted in the documentary Lioness, which screened at the Tribeca Film Festival. - The documentary examined how female support soldiers served alongside Marines in Iraq and the gap between policy and practice. - The Telegraph featured her perspective in an article about television portrayals versus the realities faced by women on the front line. - Martinez Johnson says faith and keeping God at the center of her life give her strength, purpose and resilience. - She says the best career advice she has received, and passes along, is to prioritize education and continuous learning. - She encourages young women entering criminal justice to stay resilient and believe in their path. - She volunteers with DPS Connect, a mentor group for newer employees. - She is also involved with the State Employees Association of North Carolina, the Correctional Associations of North Carolina and the Women Working on Criminal Justice Committee.

Between the lines: - Martinez Johnson's profile blends public service with a broader message about representation in a male-dominated field. - Her military history gives her advocacy work added credibility with service members and victims alike. - The emphasis on mentorship suggests she sees leadership as both service and pipeline-building for newer professionals.

What's next: - Martinez Johnson is positioned to continue shaping victim support and military-related policy conversations through her state roles. - Her mentoring and committee work suggest an ongoing focus on workforce development and professional support inside North Carolina's public safety system. - More information is available through her Influential Women profile.