Placement: Chambers of Judge Ricardo Urbina
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Education: University of California-Los Angeles, B.A. in International Development Studies and Chicana/o Studies; American University, Juris Doctor, Washington College of Law

As the daughter of immigrant parents from Zacatecas, Mexico, Ms. Ortiz has a long track record for social justice advocacy with a special focus on community empowerment. During her undergraduate studies at UCLA, Ms. Ortiz directed a mentorship program for first generation college students and led workshops for community college students regarding financial aid and college admissions. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Ortiz served as the Director of Immigrant Higher Education Outreach for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) in Los Angeles, where she traveled extensively to inform immigrant students about their educational opportunities. At the Washington College of Law at American University, Ms. Ortiz was a student attorney in the International Human Rights Law Clinic, a constitutional law teacher at School Without Walls High School in DC, and was awarded El Premio Inspiracion for her outstanding service to the Latino community in D.C. She will utilize her law degree to assist and raise awareness about communities who have not traditionally accessed the legal system.

Past Fellows of the Month

Daniel Herrera - January 2008
Frinny R. Polanco - November 2007
Betsaida Alcantara - April 2007
Jose A. Medina - March 2007
Angelica M. Reza - February, 2007