Diana Martinez

With a passion for all aspects of the entertainment industry, Diana Martinez, Executive Director of the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, has over 16 years of television, radio, and live performance experiences. She has hosted live events and performed in long-run musicals as well as directed and produced in numerous settings. Diana's extensive involvement throughout the Aurora community includes, most recently, serving as the on-camera host for The Aurora Challenge, a TV series showcasing the Aurora area's entertainment, historical and cultural attractions, which aired on CBS2 Chicago in 2004.

Currently, Diana hosts and produces the annual Aurora Idol Competition. She is also founder of the "Dreams Do Come True" program, dedicated to bringing live theatre to underprivileged children. Previously, she was Executive Director for the Aurora Civic Center Authority, and Director of Entertainment for Pheasant Run Resort and Convention Center in Aurora. Her awards include the "Influential Women in Business" Award in 2002, and "The Award for Business Excellence" in 2003, she was named "Today's Young Executive in 2003" by the Business Ledger, and awarded "The Hispanic Hero Award" in 2002 by the Chicago Fire. She serves on the Board for the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce, The League of Chicago Theatres, The West Suburban Theatre Connection and the Aurora Convention and Visitor's Bureau.