OSP Director

Luisa Ortega

Luisa Ortega attended undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with a double major in Political Science and Ethnic Studies. Throughout her studies Luisa volunteered and interned with at-risk youth in and around the Bay area. While volunteering with youth in the vast Bay Area community, in spaces where education seemed a dream rather than a reality and where basic access to quality academics were denied to disenfranchised youth, Luisa became inspired to pursue a career in Education and the implementation of equal access academics to disenfranchised communities.

While pursuing this dream, Luisa interned on Capitol Hill as a Barbara Jordan Congressional Scholar advocating for the needs of Latinos in Higher Education. Luisa has also worked in Early Academic Outreach Programs offering informational presentations to students and parents on the requirements of successful graduation and applications to higher education institutions. Mrs. Ortega worked in the non-profit sector for over ten years with distinguished organizations such as the National Latina Health Organization and Social Advocates for Youth San Diego. Concurrently, Mrs. Ortega pursued her Masters degree from San Diego State University’s Community Based Block Program. In 2008, Mrs. Ortega received her Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis in Multicultural Counseling with Honors. Luisa has used this degree to attain positions supporting the needs of young people in San Diego County, as well as offering mentoring support for young women and men. While maintaining a professional career in community work, Mrs. Ortega was offered a Part-Time Lecturer position with San Diego State University, teaching future counselors and educators in the field of education, mental health and cultural competency.

After moving to Los Angeles, with her husband and two children, Luisa is now getting ready to continue her commitment to education in Downey, CA applying her over ten years of experience in program development
and management.