Maria Burns Ortiz

Maria Burns Ortiz serves as the Executive Director of The Global Game Jam since May 2024, leading a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals globally through game creation. Ortiz co-founded and held the position of President at 7 Generation Games, where efforts focus on improving learning outcomes for marginalized communities. Notable literary contributions include co-authoring Ronda Rousey's memoirs, "Our Fight" and "My Fight/Your Fight," both of which achieved best-seller status. As a Teaching Artist at The Loft Literary Center, Ortiz designed and taught nonfiction writing classes. Previous roles include serving as an adjunct professor, a sports writer at ESPN, and a journalist known for innovative storytelling in various media. Ortiz holds a BA in Journalism from New York University.