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WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass. (April 2, 2019) – MassBay Community College Assistant Director of International Admissions, Claudia Ortiz, has been recognized by Amplify Latinx as a 2019 Latina Leader. Amplify Latinx is a Boston-based, non-partisan, collaborative movement whose mission it is to build Latinx economic and political power by significantly increasing Latinx civic engagement and representation in leadership position across sectors.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Amplify Latinx launched a campaign to identify outstanding Latina leaders who exemplify the best in their professions and who are lifting others as they climb. Amplify Latinx received 45 nominations from corporate, civic, non-profit, political, and entrepreneurship sectors in Massachusetts. Ortiz was one of 11 Latina leaders honored at the March 29th event.
Ortiz was nominated by Marion Davis, Communications Director at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, who called Ortiz “a priceless resource for immigrant and international students at MassBay.” Davis’ nomination also described Ortiz’s dedication to the students at MassBay.
“She works tirelessly to support and advocate for immigrant students. Her office on campus, which is decorated with flags and posters, is a hub for students who are pursuing an education despite enormous challenges,” said Davis. “Claudia offers wisdom, connects them with the resources within MassBay and beyond, advocates on their behalf, and hosts international lunch hours to foster cross-cultural dialogue and friendship, while also helping international students feel more at home.”
“I’m very honored and humbled to be receiving this award,” said Ortiz. “It means so much for me and my family, but foremost, it validates and acknowledges the struggles and sacrifices that all immigrant and international students may face in their pursuit for a better life and that everyone must have access to equal opportunities regardless of where they are from.”
Ortiz is a United States citizen who emigrated here when she was 17 years old from Guatemala. Her family moved to New York City for a better life, and she immediately started attending the Borough of Manhattan Community College for English as a Second Language classes. After successfully learning English and earning her Associates degree in Computer Operations, she moved to Massachusetts and transferred to Northeastern University in Boston.
Ortiz joined MassBay Community College Office of Admissions in 2009 and began working with international students. She is the advisor for the International Club and has many relationships with MassBay’s international student population, often taking calls after hours and on holidays to ensure they have what they need to succeed. Ortiz is married and the mother of two boys. She holds a Master’s degree in Global Studies & International Relations from Northeastern University.