Meet Martha
Fifth Fundamental is led by Martha E. Newton. A proud political appointee Under President Donald J. Trump (45), Martha served as the Deputy Undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Labor, leading economic and trade policies, including defining innovative mechanisms for the USMCA trade agreement and strategies to end forced labor in supply chains critical to the U.S. She was also appointed by President Trump to the United Nations (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.
In addition, Martha is also an immigration expert, serving at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as the legal guardian for all unaccompanied alien children in the U.S., as well as being responsible for the repatriation of U.S. citizens in times of crises. She also has deep understanding and experience re: illegal migration and the policy factors that contribute to this challenge.
Martha has also developed cutting-edge policies and executed implementation strategies to respond to varying changes in the world of work for governments, trade associations and businesses. 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 critical supply chains, 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 China, 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 consults for a leading international law foundation dedicated to promoting accountability through the innovative application of law.
Known globally as a key driver and decision maker of top global policy issues related to the world of work, Martha has 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 for 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.
