Outstanding Alum: Impact on Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement
Kenniel Martin is a youth advocate and community builder who is recognized as a visionary leader. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Martin has made his home and career in Connecticut’s capital city, consistently demonstrating how a strong commitment to service and the power of endurance can transform lives.
A lifelong soccer player, Martin moved to the U.S. as a teenager and found a clear path forward at Hartford’s Weaver High School, where he benefited from valuable opportunities and inspiring mentors. He was actively involved in soccer throughout high school, even serving as captain. After graduating, he achieved his goal of playing professional soccer overseas, an experience that further shaped his leadership and mentoring style, inspiring many others in the process.
Martin is the founder and executive director of the Hartford Lions Soccer Academy, an organization praised for its transformative impact on local youth through its commitment to equity, education, and empowerment. The academy offers structured athletic training, academic support, and mentorship for underserved children throughout Greater Hartford.
Martin's contributions to community enhancement extend beyond sports. The devoted husband, father, and mentor collaborates with schools, city government, and public safety officials to improve various programs in Hartford. His signature event, CommUnity Match, engages the city’s police and fire departments in initiatives designed to unify and heal communities facing complex challenges.