Born in Peru, Elena Martina moved to the United States after high school and obtained a psychology degree from Austin Peay State University, and a nonprofit management certificate from Duke. She wrote for several North Carolina newspapers, and co-created a successful Spanish language publication. She then switched professions and worked for the U.S. Government for eight years. Her 2010 move to Southern California allowed her to return to what she loves best, writing as a columnist and community reporter. She currently lives in San Jose, California.