Edlin Ortiz has risen through the WHA ranks to become an indispensable leader whose impact changes lives across communities. She leads both the family services and resident services departments. Through her team’s efforts, residents grow savings, reduce debt, secure employment, and achieve homeownership while participating in initiatives for food insecurity, youth programming, summer camps, and community concerts.
Her career trajectory demonstrates exceptional dedication to WHA mission, advancing from the transitional housing program where she helped hundreds of families transition into stable housing, to development coordinator guiding residents through the Curtis Apartments revitalization, to vice president of family services where her leadership helped dozens of families achieve self-sufficiency and homeownership. Ortiz’s personal journey as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, arriving at 13 without speaking English, fuels her unwavering commitment to supporting others facing challenges.
Through family support, community strength, and encouragement from University Park Campus School in Worcester, she overcame obstacles to thrive academically and professionally. Her advocacy for domestic violence victims extends beyond her professional responsibilities, while her support for her sister’s flamenco dance studio shows her commitment to cultural expression.
What actor would play you in a movie? Jenna Ortega. She’s young, bold, and full of energy.
Proudest moment? Becoming a mom. My children fuel me daily with strength, love, and motivation to lead by example.
