Dr. Luisa Ortega is a transformational leader with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, program development, and community advocacy. As Executive Director of the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project (CLYLP), she leads initiatives that address educational and civic disparities affecting Latino/Chicano youth. An Indigenous, first-generation Chicana and dedicated mother, she has championed access to education and mental health resources for marginalized communities. Dr. Ortega holds a bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies and Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, a Master’s in Education from San Diego State University, and a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. She has spoken at national conferences such as the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) and the National Association of Chicana and Chicano Studies (NACCS), been featured in KVCR’s Latino Leaders Spotlight, and contributed to academic panels on nonprofit leadership and Latino youth advocacy. A proud daughter of immigrant parents, Luisa credits their resilience and faith for shaping her path. As a mother of three — including two college students — she remains deeply invested in the future of education, community-building, and social justice for future generations.