As the youngest of six siblings, Diamond grew up in Milwaukee without many role models who had attended college. “I never really had anybody who sat me down and really talked about what I wanted to do,” she recalls. Yet, Diamond was determined to find her path.
At the Milwaukee Academy of Science (MAS), Diamond joined extracurriculars, which broadened her outlook, but it wasn’t until she connected with her high school counselors that she began to consider higher education seriously. It was those counselors that introduced her to and nominated her to be a part of All-In Milwaukee.
Her involvement in MAS’s Educational Opportunity Program’s Upward Bound Math & Science Program with Marquette University was a pivotal moment. “It taught me the ropes of college—how to apply, write essays, and understand what college life would be like. I loved it,” Diamond says. Living on a college campus during the program cemented her desire to pursue higher education. In August 2020, she enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work from the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work in May 2025 with minimal student debt.
Initially, Diamond wanted to become a therapist, drawing on her natural ability to connect with others. However, she soon discovered social work through conversations with advisors. “I always wanted to be a mentor—someone people could come to for advice,” Diamond explains. Social work aligned with her goal of being a positive influence in her community. Inspired by the advising she received from All-In Milwaukee, she felt drawn to guide others, just as her advisors had guided her.
Diamond’s passion for community-building is evident in her involvement at UW-Madison. She served on the executive board of Glam Squad, an empowerment group for BIPOC women, fostering discussions on mental health and self-confidence. Additionally, she volunteered at the Open Seat food pantry, where she helped pack and distribute food for students in need.
Like many, Diamond faced challenges in college and is thankful to All-In Milwaukee for helping her, particularly during the pandemic. “During COVID, I felt at my lowest,” she shares. “All-In Milwaukee connected me with financial aid and mental health resources. They kept me motivated.”
— Diamond Martin, AIM scholar, UW-Madison ‘25
Through the All-In Milwaukee program, Diamond took every advantage to develop not only academically but also professionally. In workshops and events, Diamond honed her skills in public speaking, networking, and professional communication. These skills proved invaluable when she began presenting at galas and meeting local leaders, including the Mayor of Milwaukee. “Talking to corporate partners used to make me nervous, but All-In Milwaukee taught me to be myself and show my authentic side,” she says.
During her time as UW-Madison Badger, Diamond worked as a Social Work Intern for All-In Milwaukee. This opportunity gave her insight and a deeper understanding of the advising and support she had received as a scholar. Upon graduation, she will stay with All-In Milwaukee as a full time Scholar Advisor.
“Diamond Martin embodies the full circle of All-In Milwaukee’s mission,” said Darren Jackson, Founder and Board Chair of All-In Milwaukee. “As a scholar who joined our program in 2020 and now alumna of UW-Madison, Diamond is now using her education and lived experience to uplift the next generation of first-generation college students. Through her internship with our advising team, she has brought not only the skills gained through her studies and AIM’s training, but also the empathy and insight that only a fellow scholar can offer. Diamond’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest deeply in students and their futures.”
For Diamond, this full circle moment solidifies her drive to serve and support other Milwaukee students. “I see myself advising the next generation, showing them it’s possible to succeed despite challenges,” she says.
Through determination and community support, she has become a leader and role model for Milwaukee’s youth, eager to give back and inspire others to follow in her footsteps. She shares, “I want to go back to my high school and share my story, help others realize they can do it too.”
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