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Betty Martinez Franco is a dedicated leader, public servant, and proud Irvine resident with a story that embodies resilience and determination. Born in Mexico, Betty immigrated to the United States, working tirelessly to build a better future for her family. From early mornings picking apples in Washington to cleaning hotel rooms in Anaheim, Betty’s journey reflects the values of hard work and perseverance.

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As a survivor of domestic violence, Betty found safety and hope in Irvine, a city that became a sanctuary for her and her two daughters. Her children flourished in the Irvine Unified School District, from kindergarten through high school, and today, she takes pride in watching them raise their families in the city that gave them so much opportunity.

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Betty’s belief in the transformative power of education led her to begin her academic journey at community college and later earn a bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Cal State Fullerton. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she saw firsthand how government decisions impacted vulnerable communities, inspiring her to pursue a master’s in Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in City/County Management from USC's Sol Price School of Public Policy.

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Betty’s education and experience prepared her to take action during some of the most challenging times for Orange County where she led crisis communication efforts to support the safe reopening of businesses. She also spearheaded a campaign to encourage public transportation use, working closely with local leaders and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to ensure the initiatives reflected the needs of Orange County's diverse population.

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Fluent in Spanish, Betty has built bilingual campaigns across Southern California, connecting small business owners, community leaders, and law enforcement to create safer, more prosperous neighborhoods. Her work reflects her deep commitment to building a thriving, inclusive community, from advocating for economic development to leading safe driving initiatives.

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Betty’s dedication goes beyond her professional achievements, and she volunteers her time to be part of Irvine’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee; she champions policies that reflect the city’s rich cultural diversity.