Maritza Ortega

Youth Apprentice Maritza Ortega joined EdSystems in September 2023. Maritza is currently attending North-Grand High School and will graduate in May 2023. She plans to attend a four-year college and major in psychology with the goal of becoming a high school counselor.

With a strong focus on personal development and helping her peers, Maritza co-founded a club called Sparks4Justice with other high school students to find and help the problems happening in her high school. She is enrolled in early college classes, including AP, dual credit, and dual enrollment. She has gained leadership and communication skills through moderating a panel of elected officials at a school event, including state representatives, and participating in a Chicago Youth Budget Council Workshop.

Through the apprenticeship, Maritza hopes to build on her critical thinking, planning, and organizing skills through hands-on experiences. She is dedicated to continuous learning, with a passion for excellence and a drive to make a positive impact.