Meet Martha

Fifth Fundamental is founded and led by Martha E. Newton. Most recently, Martha served as the Deputy Director-General for Policy of the ILO, the oldest and only tripartite (governments, employers and workers) organization within the UN system.

Martha has developed cutting-edge policies and implementation strategies to respond to varying crises on the world of work for governments, businesses and workers’ organizations. Fifth Fundamental’s broad network of experts has been developed from her expansive knowledge and 20 year practical experience on topics including employment, labor and human rights. She also has key experience on migration and the policy factors contributing to the issue— serving as the legal guardian for all unaccompanied alien children at the US Department of Health and Human Services and a labor migration expert.

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, such as labor and employment, trade, child labor/forced labor and human trafficking.

Martha has also served at the highest levels of state and federal government in the United States, including being appointed by President Donald J. Trump as the Deputy Under Secretary for International Affairs at the United States Department of Labor and served as the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement in the United States Department of Health and Human Services. In addition, she has helmed multiple NGO’s around the globe and has led strategic partnership development for International Justice Mission and the Halifax International Security Forum. She began her career as the Chief of the Violent Crime Victims’ Assistance Division for the Illinois Attorney General.

In addition, Martha serves as a Cartier RedBox Me Luminary Thinker, a Brain Trust Advisor to The World in 2050 Think Tank/Do Tank, and an initial fundraiser/advisor for the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation.

Martha started Fifth Fundamental to bring her energy and enthusiasm of translating world of work policy into successful action and results for clients. Fifth Fundamental can help companies make the business case that you CAN enhance productivity while improving conditions for workers.