One Percenter’s Club Table Newsletter
One Of Us by Naomi Breman
When asking the question, "who founded the One Percenters?" the answer unequivocally comes back: "Laya Martinez." A self-described entrepreneur, Laya identified the requirement for a women-only Club Table at the Union League. She then surged forward, gaining consensus, and implemented the solution. And not surprisingly, the One Percenters is just one of Laya's start-ups. Building her professional skill base and forming a technology company that provides new services to Fortune 500 companies are among the others.
Laya graduated from Yeshiva University in New York. At that time, the liberal arts institution did not provide the technical training necessary to form a computer company. Laya knew that she could learn the requisite software skills through the IBM Corporation, and after doing so, she established CPCdata in 1991. Throughout its twenty years of operation, CPCdata's mission has been to help clients gain control of their data, assuming responsibility for all the company's data processing and healthcare-related needs. She won business from SmithKline Beecham, Rohm & Haas, Lockheed Marietta, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania by never saying "no" and always finding ways to solve the customer's problem. Initially CPCdata processed the data through its own large computers, picking up and delivering tapes from and to the company's site. As the technology evolved, CPCdata was always first to deliver efficiencies and economies. Currently, the internet transmits instantaneous results at the customer's location. In November of 2009, Laya sold the operational side of the business, maintaining control of CPCdata's proprietary software. Interviews for this article were graciously scheduled in between daily demos of this high-powered software.
By 1993, CPCdata was up and running to the degree that Laya was approached to join the Union League as a member, positioned as an entrepreneur. She was attracted to the League by its connection to the business community and the qualities of professionalism and patriotism. She was pleased by the League's welcoming spirit and encouraged that some of the Club Tables accepted women as members. However, she found a missing piece in the League's framework that there was not a women-only table; specifically a place where dynamic, entrepreneurial women could meet and make things happen for themselves. In 1997, with the support of eleven other women members, Laya wrote and submitted a letter to the head of the Club Tables, proposing the formation of a women-only table. It was accepted and in early 1998, the One Percenters was official. (It is a sign of how things have progressed that the current President of the Club Tables is Dr. Karen Lawson, the One Percenter's President and an original founding member!).
The name One Percenters was chosen because Laya believed that "one percent" of the population drives the world forward. She selected the Table's centerpiece because it stands proud; she is a woman with self esteem. The first members included women of stature in the community, holders of prestigious advanced degrees, and various rising stars. Laya speaks so fondly of the stimulating conversations they had at lunch each Friday.
At the end of Laya's four years as president, the members' roll had risen to 30; it now stands at approximately 130. Initially membership was limited to women who were the members themselves, but this rule has adapted to the times, capturing career-oriented female spouses who found it easier for the couple to join under the husband's name. Laya is proud that membership now spans age groups consisting of grandmothers, like herself, and junior League members who are in the early and mid stages of their careers.
Raising her three children was an equally serious endeavor. Taking care of Michelle, Seth and Zachary was always a priority. She would set up playrooms in the office and have babysitters there, so that she could supervise her children's development. Now that Michelle and Zachary have blessed her with two granddaughters and one grandson, she is truly ecstatic: "I love them to death!" Laya's marriage to Gary Charlestein provides great fulfillment, including two additional grandchildren.
Never resting, Laya is running the software arm of CPCdata, is a fully involved grandmother, and has written a biography which is in the publishing stage. Guaranteeing that there will be no time for boredom, she holds a real estate license, was a volunteer Hebrew School teacher, and has received her Ministry license so that she can perform marriages. The One Percenters are extremely fortunate that thirteen years ago Laya Martinez recognized the need for the Union League's professional women to have a formal group, where they could support and stimulate one another. We hope that Laya continues to bless us with new ideas and senior guidance.