WESLACO – On Friday, we wished farewell to our news director, Jenny Martinez.

After nearly 30 years in the business, she’s retiring.

Jenny has been such a force in news gathering across the Rio Grande Valley, inspiring so many young journalists.

Channel 5 News would not be where it is today without her.

Jenny’s success is a testament to her uncompromising professionalism, endless hours of hard work, determination – even stronger in difficult times – steadfastness in conviction and vision that things can always be better.

She always made time to listen to others.

Thank you for your guidance, Jenny. We’ll miss you!

Watch the video above for some of the people whose lives she touched and careers she’s launched.