Andria Martinez Cohen
Andria Martinez Cohen, Director at National Development Council
Andria works remotely for the National Development Council and has been doing so for the past 12 years. Outside of work she loves spending time outdoors and biking as her main form of transportation around the city.
Q: What do you do for work here at THE SANDBOX?
I work for a national nonprofit organization called National Development Council. NDC’s work revolves around community and economic development. A big part of our work has to do with financing development projects such as affordable housing and public use spaces. Essentially a great way to sum up the bulk of my work is matching up the financing with a real estate development project. We also do a lot of small business lending and are consultants & third party administrators for Cares & Recovery Act funds. For instance, I am in consultation with the City of Tracy. Like most cities, Tracy has been allocated ARPA relief funds so I am working with the city to find eligible ways the money can be best spent on economic development.
I am also currently working on an LA County small business rent relief program for commercial spaces. My team and I just launched the application for this program, so that has been exciting seeing the applications roll in.
Q: How did you decide to get into this industry?
A: I studied economics at UCLA and I knew that I wanted to work for a non-profit organization. I have always wanted to do something good for the community and in turn it feels really satisfying. Post grad I lived in Mexico for two years learning the Spanish language and having fun. I moved to Santa Barbara in 2005 and worked for WEV, Women’s Economic Ventures. I was the program coordinator for the spanish language entrepreneur program. It was there that I learned about economic development and underwriting. After working at WEV, I then started at NDC. I have been with them for more than 12 years now.
Q: What made you decide you wanted to join a coworking community like the SANDBOX?
A: My job with NDC has actually always been remote so adjusting to the pandemic regarding remote working was not hard. When I first started working for NDC I was working at home, but after a year I found an office space. I was actually one of the first members at THE SANDBOX. I have been a member since 2017 and interestingly enough have worked at the same desk space at THE SANDBOX since then!
Q: When you are not working here, what do you like to do outside of work?
A:I love being outside. I go to the beach at least 4 times a week with my family. Other than that, I love biking around the city, ocean swimming, camping, stand up paddle boarding, the list can go on and on. Basically being outdoors with my family is what I love to do outside of work.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
A: Don’t sweat the small stuff and try to live in the moment. You know, life is short, so every moment is truly precious. I try to be appreciative of what I have and live in the moment.
