Nurtured by a family of entrepreneurs, Ana Mari Ortega had both the guidance and support early on to pursue something she loved, and is the founder of an eponymous jewelry and accessories e-commerce business. Since the label’s inception, Ana Mari has drawn inspiration from her travels around the world, and perhaps most affecting, the colors and cultures of her vibrant hometown, Miami.
Just as her family instilled in her the spirit of entrepreneurship, they developed in her—through example—a deep-rooted sense of service. Through The Ortega Family Foundation, Ana Mari and her family are committed to improving the community by supporting several organizations. Be it building homes with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami, ensuring families have a warm Thanksgiving meal with the Centro Mater Foundation, or thoughtfully reviewing Miami-area high school students’ applications for their foundation’s college scholarship program, the family supports with both time and treasure.
While she is honored to support these initiatives and students, for the last six years Ana Mari has been most proud to don a Red Jacket. She has been a member of the City Year Miami board for six years, and has served as board chair for the last two years. In her time serving with City Year Miami, she has been actively involved in strategic planning and development, and has traveled to D.C. to lobby on Capitol Hill to rally greater resources for AmeriCorps. Additionally, she is the founding chair of Miami’s Red Jacket Society, and after successfully establishing that program was asked to serve as the national vice chair.
Ana Mari dedicates her Red Jacket to all those that City Year does not yet serve, hoping that her work will allow the organization to one day reach every student that needs it. She feels privileged to serve alongside volunteers, staff, and AmeriCorps members from across the country. For her efforts, Ana Mari was awarded The Miami Foundation’s first-ever Emerging Philanthropist Award. She received a B.A. in International Affairs from the George Washington University and a degree in Fashion Accessory Design from Miami International University of Art and Design. She lives in Miami with her husband Marc, their three small children, and their first baby, a French bulldog.