Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth (Liz) Ortega.
Elizabeth (Liz), please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Watching the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon was a family tradition and a big part of my childhood. Looking back, I remember the excitement and pride as we made our annual gift to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and Jerry’s Kids. I felt called to nonprofit service and started my first entry-level fundraising job when I was just 20-years old.
After my family made the move to Houston in 2009, I was invited to join MDA as a Regional Field Service Coordinator. That position and subsequent roles with MDA prepared me for my current job as the Executive Director of Muscular Dystrophy Association – Houston, serving the Greater Houston, Bryan/College Station and SE Texas Areas. Our team is tasked with raising nearly $3 million for MDA’s mission to transform the lives of families living with ALS, muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular diseases.
Every day, I am so honored to be able to carry the message and mission of MDA into our Houston community. My team and I are the “boots on the ground” in the Gulf Coast region: connecting personally with the families we serve and raising the funds we need to fight for a future free from the harm of neuromuscular disease.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Now that I know where I am and where I’m going, the road is much smoother!
Once I transitioned to the Executive Director role and look leadership of the Houston team, I knew I was where I was meant to be. I love to get folks excited about MDA’s mission and how they can make an impact. I also love to help my team grow in their roles; the more I can empower, mentor and cheer on my staff to reach their own goals and overcome any struggles they may face, the more successful we all can be for MDA and for the families we serve. I am so proud to lead a healthy team of like-minded individuals, all dedicated, focused, and working together to achieve our shared vision.
As we say in the office, #OneTeamOneDream!
Please tell us about Muscular Dystrophy Association – Houston.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is committed to transforming the lives of people affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases. We do this through innovations in science and innovations in care.
As the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research outside of the federal government, MDA has committed more than $1 billion since our inception to accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures. Research we have supported is directly linked to approved, life-changing therapies across multiple neuromuscular diseases. And, momentum is on our side. MDA has led more medical advances in the last five years than in the previous 65 years. Of the now 11 approved therapies for treating neuromuscular diseases, nine have just recently been approved by the FDA. These treatments halt, and in some cases, reverse the progression of neuromuscular diseases.
MDA supports the largest network of multidisciplinary clinics, providing best-in-class care at more than 150 of the nation’s top medical institutions, including Houston Methodist and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston’s Texas Medical Center. Additionally, MDA sends more than 100 Houston-area children and young adults (ages 8-17) to MDA Summer Camp in Burton, Texas – at no cost to their families. There, they learn vital life skills and gain a sense of independence. Learn more at mda.org or call us at 713.522.1426.
What were you like growing up?
Anyone else a middle child?!
Thankfully, I’m not afraid of public speaking or cold calls or talking to strangers! That has served me well in my role as a nonprofit fundraiser and professional communicator.
As a child, I was a dancer. I expressed myself through movement and performance. I loved being on stage – and still do!
Pricing:
- Fill the Boot with Houston Fire Department during the month of April (give generously when you see firefighters at intersections!)
- Texas Hold ‘Em Poker, benefiting MDA on May 20 at Prime Social ($200 suggested donation)
- Muscle Walk of Houston on October 24th (FREE 5K fun, run, walk/roll – all donations benefit MDA)
Contact Info:
- Address: Muscular Dystrophy Association – Houston
11767 Katy Freeway, Suite 750
Houston, TX 77079 - Website: https://www.facebook.com/MDAHOUSTON
- Phone: (713) 522-1426
- Email: eortega@mdausa.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houstonmda/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MDAHOUSTON
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/musculardystrophyassociation-houston
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