Meet Martha
Fifth Fundamental is founded and led by Martha E. Newton. Under President Donald J. Trump (45), Martha was appointed to the UN to serve as the Deputy Director-General of the ILO, the oldest and only tripartite (governments, employers and workers) organization within the UN system. Previously, she was appointed by President Trump to serve as the Deputy Under Secretary at the US Department of Labor, leading workforce development, employment, workforce migration and trade policies for domestic and global audiences.
In addition, Martha has served as a voice for the voiceless, serving under President George W. Bush as the legal guardian for all unaccompanied alien children in the US, as well as responsible for all US strategies involving repatriation of US citizens in times of crises. She also has key experience on migration and the policy factors contributing to the issue by serving as the Director of Refugee Resettlement for the United States.
Martha has developed cutting-edge policies and executed implementation strategies to respond to varying changes in the world of work for governments and trade associations. Fifth Fundamental’s broad network of experts has been developed from her expansive knowledge and 20 year practical experience on topics including employment strategies for emerging sectors, labor, trade and business resiliency.
In addition to her vast experience on issues related to trade, occupational safety & health, and regulatory frameworks, Martha also has key experience on human trafficking and the policy factors contributing to the issue— including the global challenges related to forced labor in XUAR, Latin America, West Africa, and the Middle East. She has worked for International Justice Mission, a global non-profit that protects people in poverty from violence, and a leading international law foundation dedicated to promoting accountability through the innovative application of international law.
Known globally as a key driver and decision maker of top global policy issues related to the world of work, Martha has also served as the “Sherpa” for G20, G7, and other international forums, providing influential guidance to world leaders on crucial topics pertaining to the global economy, including labor and employment, AI-driven economy, trade, and workforce challenges related to energy independence, including forced labor in supply chains and state-sponsored slavery of the Uyghur population in China.
Martha also has defense policy experience with the Halifax International Security Forum. She began her career as the Chief of the Violent Crime Victims’ Assistance Division for the Illinois Attorney General.
Martha serves as a Cartier RedBox Me Luminary Thinker, a Brain Trust Advisor to The World in 2050 Think Tank/Do Tank, and is a member of DACOR, an invite-only organization for foreign affairs professionals. Most proudly, Martha served as an initial fundraiser/advisor for the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation.
Martha started Fifth Fundamental to bring her energy and enthusiasm of navigating complicated global policy issues into successful action and results for clients. Let Fifth Fundamental be a voice for you, your company or your organization.
