Téo Ortega

Born & raised as a 6th generation resident of the Mesilla Valley Region, the ancestral homelands of their father's people - the Piro, Maso, Tigue, and Tortugas Pueblos - what is now referred to as Southern New Mexico. Lived experience and proud survivor of poverty, domestic violence, and homelessness. Experienced Director, Program Manager, and Consultant working towards making an impact in communities through training, governance and program design, technical assistance, system analysis, data maintenance, human centered leadership, and direct care. Committed to creating sustainable changes that center on people with lived experience through authentic, intentional, and conscious inclusion. Expertise in innovative youth programming and community collaboration in the areas of; housing programs, youth homelessness, homelessness systems, LGBTQIA2S programs, governance structures, equitable and inclusive decision making, project management, and culturally grounded care. Their heart and passion for the work comes from their belief that restoration happens in relationship. Reclaiming our connection to intergenerational relationships can support a community's capacity to unite, change, and heal, together.