FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University to welcome actor, author and veteran J.R. Martinez
for Hispanic Heritage Month

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University is proud to welcome actor, best-selling author and motivational speaker J.R. Martinez to campus on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, as part of its annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Martinez will share his remarkable story of overcoming adversity and building a life beyond the circumstances that threatened to define him. His presentation, “From Tragedy to Triumph” will begin at 6:00 p.m. in Smith Family Hall on Heritage University’s Toppenish campus. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments available.

While serving in Iraq, Martinez suffered life-changing injuries that left him with severe burns. Rather than allowing the experience to define his future, he embarked on a career that has included acting, writing, motivational speaking and advocacy. Through his presentation, Martinez challenges audiences to overcome adversity, embrace change and discover what is possible when they refuse to be defined by their circumstances.

Martinez is perhaps best known for his role on the daytime television series All My Children and for winning Season 13 of Dancing with the Stars. He is also a New York Times best-selling author and has appeared on programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show, 60 Minutes, Ellen and The Tonight Show. People magazine named him one of its 25 Most Intriguing People of 2011.

The event is part of Heritage University’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions, cultures and achievements of Hispanic and Latino communities. The presentation is free and open to the public, but attendees are encouraged to register at Heritage.edu/JRMartinez.

This event is made possible through the generous support of the Rotary Club of Yakima and Heritage University. Together, these partners are proud to offer opportunities that celebrate diversity, foster cultural awareness, and bring nationally recognized voices to the Yakima Valley community. For more information, please contact Davidson Mance, public relations manager, at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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