Gene Martinez receives lifetime achievement award from The Arc Minnesota

Three people stand on stage at The Arc Minnesota Gala. The person in the center smiles while holding an award plaque, with blue stage curtains in the background.
(Pictured from left to right are Tina Rucci – Director of Public Policy, Gene Martinez – Legislative Advocacy Coordinator, Naveh Eldar, Chief Executive Officer)

We were thrilled to honor Gene Martinez, The Arc Minnesota Legislative Advocacy Coordinator, with a lifetime achievement award at the 2026 Arc Gala. Gene is a leader who reminds us that the right to vote is the foundation of all human rights. He is the powerhouse behind our REV UP MN voting campaign, and has spent years ensuring that every Minnesotan with a disability has a seat at the table of democracy.

Because of Gene’s dedication to this work, The Arc Minnesota was recently awarded the Nass Medallion Award – the highest honor a Secretary of State can bestow, and a historic first for our organization.

We are so grateful to have Gene on our team! Please join us in congratulating Gene on these inspiring achievements and well-deserved accolades!