JENNIFER MARTINEZ BELT
Chief Philanthropy Officer, Scott Family Amazeum
Although her parents are native southern Californians and she was born there, Jennifer Martinez Belt has always considered Fort Smith her true home, since moving there at 6 years old. Jennifer and her husband, Scott, have moved a few times throughout their careers. They welcomed their children named Sloane and Thomas in Houston, but chose to settle in Little Rock to raise their family and eventually moved to Bentonville in 2020. She is proud to be from this state and committed to helping it grow and thrive for generations to come. She has worked in fundraising and development for 20 years, and she is passionate about connecting people to causes that strengthen our communities.
Education:
B.A. Mass Communications and English, University of Central Arkansas
Best part of your job:
Making an impact on Northwest Arkansas families one child at a time. Watching a child light up with discovery or a teen beam with pride — these are the moments that matter. It’s worth every early morning meeting, every grant deadline, every late night event. Because we know the future starts now.
First big break:
Opportunity to work at the White House early in my career
One thing you’d love to master in your personal life:
Personally, I want to create or invent practical solutions that support my son, who has non-verbal autism. My aim is to reduce daily barriers and challenges by designing tools or systems that improve communication, independence and quality of life for him. NWA is the right place to make dreams like this happen!
Quality you admire most in women:
Mentoring through adversity. Mentoring women isn’t just about guidance, it’s about walking alongside them as they rise. Through adversity, we remind each other of our strength. There is a superpower in shared experience.
If you won the lottery, what cause/organization would you support?
No Kid Hungry. I have always worked to advocate for those struggling with food insecurity, especially in Arkansas.
Personal Mantra:
“Goonies never say die.” (I can’t take myself too seriously.)
Surprising fact about you:
I am a beginner birder. I love everything about birding, and NWA is the place for all things outdoors. I have many birdfeeds and may or may not be starting an Instagram for Birds of Bentonville.
What superpower would you want?
I would like to teleport, so I could be at more than one place at a time and support all the events and people I wish to at the same time. I think presence and human connection are so important.