Andrea Ortiz, Strategic Initiatives Director

Born and raised on the southwest side of Chicago in a mixed-status Mexican household, Andrea is a proud alumna of Chicago Public Schools. With over a decade of experience in community organizing and advocacy, her work has been grounded in a deep commitment to social justice and racial equity. As the former director of organizing for the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, she led efforts that empowered communities and advanced systemic change for a decade.

In 2023, Andrea served as co-chair for the mayoral transition subcommittee on immigration, collaborating with values-aligned stakeholders to develop policy recommendations that support and uplift immigrant communities across Chicago. 

Andrea holds a double bachelor's degree in Latin American and Latino Studies and Political Science from DePaul University, and a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University. In addition to her organizing work, she has contributed to the academic space as an adjunct professor at Roosevelt University, enriching both her advocacy and educational practice.

Most recently, Andrea was honored as a 2025 Leaders for a New Chicago awardee by the Field Foundation in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation. She also serves as a steering committee member on co-governance for both the City of Chicago Office of Equity and Racial Justice and Chicago United for Equity.