Published: April 26, 2023
Like many graduating high school seniors, Sierra Ortiz ’11 was “one of those people who didn’t know what I wanted to do.”
After spending two years at Kent State University, where she studied English with a minor in Psychology, Sierra decided to come home to Toledo, and finished her bachelor’s degree at the University of Toledo.
“I see Toledo as a progressive community, where diversity and inclusion are celebrated,” she explains. “I appreciated learning about people from other cultures and religions, and believe we have so many of those opportunities here.”
After several career stops, Sierra landed a dream job just a little over a month ago – she is the Associate Director for Women of Toledo. But to hear her talk about the organization, you might think Sierra had been a part of it for years – and not just weeks.
“Women of Toledo has a mission to educate, engage and empower women and youth to keep moving them forward. We’re here for acceptance, not just tolerance,” shares Sierra.
Women of Toledo offers programs and services that help both adult women and young women navigate issues that may prevent them from economic gains. The organization also helps diverse groups of women connect with one another to build new skills, resources, and networking opportunities they might not realize otherwise.
And Sierra is all in. “I want this type of organization for the world,” she enthuses. “I would love to see other cities create something like this, to develop a framework or a global hub that other communities could implement. We can use our resources to collaborate and make the world a better place – there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.”
At Women of Toledo, Sierra is tasked with expansion and development, with a goal of raising $250,000 to meet the agency’s needs. But it all comes down to one thing for her: “I’m trying to make a difference for our community,” she shares.
Her advice to current NDA students mirrors that big idea. “There is a way to make a difference doing what you love,” Sierra affirms. “Find your passion, and hold on to it. Listen to your heart, and you will find your people!”
Learn more about Women of Toledo at: https://www.womenoftoledo.org/
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