Community Relations Manager
Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA)
Gloria Martinez-Padilla is a lifelong resident of Immokalee, Florida, and a passionate advocate for migrant families and underserved communities. With over 40 years of dedicated service, she has built a legacy of leadership, compassion, and impact through her work with Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA).
Gloria began her career at RCMA in 1982 at just 18 years old and quickly rose through the ranks. By age 21, she was already supervising operations for multiple childcare facilities. Today, she serves as RCMA’s Community Relations Manager, overseeing community and government engagement across 19 counties in Florida. Her work is focused on strengthening support for vulnerable children and families in rural areas across the state.
Guided by her father’s enduring advice— “Always walk into a room as if you belong, because you do”—Gloria has built her life and career on a foundation of purpose, inclusion, and advocacy.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, she co-founded the Immokalee Unmet Needs Coalition to ensure critical resources reached the families most affected by the storm. In recognition of her leadership and service, she was honored by the 18th U.S. Congress in 2018, through the office of Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart.
Gloria is widely respected for her ability to foster meaningful partnerships and build trust across diverse sectors. She currently serves on numerous boards and advisory councils, including:
- National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association Board
- Save the Children – Gulf Coast Resilience Network Advisory Council
- Greater Naples Chamber – DEI Advisory Committee
- Farm City BBQ Board
- The Soccer Pit Board
- Baby Basics of Collier County
- One by One Leadership
- Florida Lions Eye Clinic
- And various other community advisory groups
She is a proud graduate of Leadership Collier Foundation (Class 22) and Greater Naples Leadership (Class 27), both of which expanded her regional insight and strengthened her ability to lead across sectors. A proud daughter of migrant farmworkers, Gloria remains deeply connected to her roots and committed to uplifting her community. She and her husband, Manuel Padilla, owner of MPI Construction, have raised two daughters and are proud grandparents to four grandchildren. Outside of her professional work, Gloria enjoys traveling and making lasting memories with her family.
