Meet the team: Ana Ortega

Meet Ana Ortega, Health and Violence Prevention Coordinator

Where are you from?  

I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles (Sur Centro de Los Angeles). My parent’s are from Puebla, Mexico. So I like to say that LA and Puebla are my homes. 

Where do you feel most at home? 

I feel most at home when I am surrounded by friends and chosen family, 

What inspires you, professionally and personally? 

My inner child and my ancestors guide and inspire my work. 

What are your areas of expertise or what areas are particularly interesting to you?

My lived experiences and learning have made me particularly interested at looking at the impact of intimate partner violence amongst Latin@ youth. I am also very interested in the education field and using education as a tool to uplift Latin@ youth and their communities. 

Share one thing you have learned, big or small, doing your work over the past year?  

It’s okay to ask for help.

Who inspires you? 

So many of my inspirations are WOC that are breaking barriers. A few of them are AOC, Sonia Sotomayor, Cristina Rivera Garza, and Jenni Rivera.     

What do you do to relax, de-stress or recharge your batteries? 

I like to spend time with my siblings, explore Los Angeles, and write. 

Why have you chosen to do this kind of work?  

My lived experiences of teen dating violence motivated me to pursue this work. As I came forward with my story, other Latin@ survivors shared theirs. These stories made me realize I wanted to work in the field. 

What is your favorite food?  

Mole Poblano and Sushi. 

What is your favorite book?

I have so many, but El Invincible Verano de Liliana by Cristina Rivera Garza is one of my all time favorites.