Feliza Ortiz-Licon

Dr. Feliza Ortiz-Licon (Ella/She) has a diverse work experience spanning over two decades. Dr. Feliza currently serves as the Chief of Staff at New Teacher Center since January 2023. Prior to this, they were a Commissioner at the Long Beach Independent Redistricting Commission starting in November 2020. From May 2021 to January 2023, Dr. Ortiz-Licon worked at Latinos for Education as the Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer, where they focused on developing policy recommendations and national advocacy strategies for equitable educational opportunities for Latino students.

Earlier in their career, Dr. Ortiz-Licon held various roles at UnidosUS (formerly National Council of La Raza). Starting in December 2019 and ending in April 2021, they served as the Principal of Education Programs, where they were responsible for attracting and developing high-performance team members. Prior to this, they were the Senior Director of Education Leadership Development and the Regional Director of Education, CA, engaging in research, qualitative evaluations, and delivering professional development trainings.

Dr. Ortiz-Licon also contributed to education policy as a State Board Member at the California State Board of Education from May 2015 to March 2020. Dr. Feliza has further experience in education through their role as the Director of College Access at Fulfillment Fund, where they supervised staff and cultivated partnerships. Earlier in their career, Dr. Ortiz-Licon served as the Director of Policy at the Los Angeles Unified School District and as an Elementary School Teacher at the Long Beach Unified School District, implementing curriculum and providing personalized instruction.

Throughout their career, Dr. Feliza Ortiz-Licon has demonstrated a commitment to education and advocating for equitable opportunities for all students, particularly Latino and low-income students.

Dr. Feliza Ortiz-Licon (Ella/She) began their education journey in 1994 at UCLA, where they pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Dr. Feliza completed their undergraduate studies in 1999. Following this, they enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley in 2001 and graduated in 2003 with a Master of City and Regional Planning degree.

After gaining valuable knowledge and experience in urban planning, Dr. Ortiz-Licon furthered their education at UC Irvine, commencing in 2005. Over the course of four years, they focused their studies on Education and earned a Doctorate in Education (EdD) in 2009.

Throughout their educational journey, Dr. Feliza Ortiz-Licon exhibited a commitment to learning, with a particular emphasis on Political Science, City and Regional Planning, and Education.