STAFF
Elida Ortiz, BA
Director
Elida “Eli” Ortiz immigrated from Mexico with her parents and was raised in Rogers Park. She attended Lane Tech High School, and as a first-generation college student, she obtained a degree in Computer Science from Robert Morris University.
Eli’s passion has been community work and has worn many hats in this area, including ESL Facilitator at Universidad Popular in the Pilsen neighborhood, Parent Leader at two schools within the Cicero 99 School District, a Computer Instructor at Corazon Community Services, Parent Ambassador for the Neighborhood Recovery Initiative (NRI), Program Coordinator for the Criminal Violence Prevention Program (CVPP), Parent Coordinator for the Innovation Zones/ Escuelita Movil project at Confirmation Catechist at Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, and Coordinator to the Cicero Community Collaborative – United Way Neighborhood Network. Of the varied experiences that she has had, the common thread throughout is the gratification of helping others grow within themselves.
Janette Andrade
Community Outreach Coordinator Parent Ambassador Liaison
Janette Andrade received her bachelor’s in criminology and Political Science from UIC in 2019. She was raised and born in the South Side of Chicago and has worked in different communities within the city and outside the city to help promote different resources. Prior to this role, Janette has worked in different campaigns in the state of Illinois and has been actively engaged in her community. She recognizes the importance of bringing resources to the youth in order for them to succeed in life and help create a better future.