Influential Women: Rebecca I. Martinez Johnson Serves as a Voice for Victims With Faith, Courage, and Resilience

RALEIGH, NC, UNITED STATES, October 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Bilingual Victim Advocate and Investigator With the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Draws on Military Service, Corrections Experience, and Mentorship to Advance Justice

Raleigh, North Carolina — Rebecca I. Martinez Johnson is a bilingual victim advocate and investigator with Victim Compensation Services at the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS), where she serves victims and supports criminal investigations. Expanding her commitment to public service, Rebecca has also recently been appointed to the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission, where she works to enhance support for service members, military families, and defense missions across the state. With nearly a decade of experience in the criminal justice field, she has built a career dedicated to advocacy, leadership, and protecting vulnerable individuals. Her bilingual skills allow her to reach people who might otherwise struggle to be understood, ensuring every voice is heard.

In her role at NCDPS, Rebecca serves victims while supporting criminal investigations—work that calls for careful attention to detail and genuine compassion. Her ability to communicate in more than one language helps eliminate critical barriers during challenging times. Her years in corrections and investigations give her a practical understanding of how different parts of the criminal justice system connect, a perspective she leverages daily to advocate effectively for victims.

Before stepping into her current role, Rebecca served as a correctional case manager within a medium-custody correctional facility and worked with the DMV License and Theft Bureau. This broad background in corrections, investigations, and victim services provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the system. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Community and Human Services from SUNY Empire State College and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration from American Military University. Her academic foundation has strengthened her expertise in leadership and victim advocacy while reflecting a lifelong commitment to growth.

A core highlight of Rebecca’s life and career is her groundbreaking role in becoming a Lioness. She proudly served in the United States military as one of the Lionesses—one of the first four women officially documented conducting ground combat missions in support of military operations. The pioneering work of the Lionesses received national recognition through features in Army Times and Marine Times, and was highlighted in the critically acclaimed documentary Lioness, which screened at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film traces how female support soldiers came to serve alongside Marines in Iraq, raising important questions about gender, warfare, and the gap between policy and practice. Told through first-hand accounts, archival footage, journal entries, and interviews with military commanders, the documentary gave voice to a hidden history of female combat and explored how war transforms those who serve. For Rebecca, becoming a Lioness remains a defining chapter of courage and service under pressure.

Her real-life service as a Lioness was also highlighted by The Telegraph in an article examining television representations versus the ground truth of women serving on the frontline. The piece featured her perspective to contrast Hollywood dramatizations with the actual, documented sacrifices and operational realities experienced by the real-life female service members who carried out these historic missions.

Rebecca attributes her success to her faith and her commitment to keeping God at the center of her life, which provides her with strength, purpose, and resilience. The best career advice she has received—and passes along—is to prioritize education and continuous learning. To young women entering criminal justice, she offers a message of confidence and perseverance, encouraging them to stay resilient and believe in their journey despite working in a traditionally male-driven profession.

Mentorship remains central to how Rebecca gives back. She actively volunteers with DPS Connect, a mentor group for newer employees, and is involved with the State Employees Association of North Carolina, the Correctional Associations of North Carolina, and the Women Working on Criminal Justice Committee.

Whether advocating for crime victims, serving on the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission, mentoring fellow professionals, or reflecting on her historic service as a Lioness, Rebecca leads with courage, resilience, and integrity. Her journey shows how a life of service extends across uniforms, state commissions, and communities while remaining anchored in compassion and justice.

Learn More about Rebecca I. Martinez Johnson:

Through her Influential Women profile: https://influentialwomen.com/connect/rebecca-martinezjohnson

Influential Women

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Editorial Team
Influential Women