Melina Ortega • ’21 B.A. Performing Arts/Dance
By Pamela Dean
“I met so many people at who changed my life for the better. I learned so much about myself and what I want out of life,” said Melina Ortega.
Raised in Oxnard, Ortega attended Pacifica High School. She began her college career as a Psychology major until a chance conversation with Heather Castillo, Associate Professor of Performing Arts, made her change direction.
“I have loved dancing since I was very young and began taking dance classes when I was nine,” Ortega explained. “I chose Psychology because of my desire to open a dance studio for children with special needs. But that conversation with Heather made me realize I really wanted to perform.”
Ortega soon changed her major to Performing Arts, where she found the guidance and support that helped her believe in herself and her ability to perform on stage.
Melina Ortega
“[Heather] took the time to get to know every single one of us in that dance room and cared for us like we were her own. She was the first person to tell me I belonged on stage and then gave me every tool, alongside the magical MiRiPark, [Performing Arts Lecturer] to make my dreams come true,” Ortega said. “She taught us to live fearlessly, but not recklessly, a motto I carry with me in everything I do. To this day, she and Miri attend my shows and present me with amazing opportunities. They continue to believe in me and care for me even after graduation.”
In addition to blossoming as a dancer, Ortega launched a career in Information Technology while a student at .
“I worked as a student assistant in the Solution Center, answering the phone lines for different departments,” Ortega said. She then moved on to Teaching & Learning Innovations where she began working with Ekhobot, a chatbot tool for communicating with students.
“I helped develop the personality of Ekhobot, creating the knowledge base of information, and creating outgoing campaigns. The summer after I graduated, I took over the chatbot entirely.”
She then went on to work for the University’s Student Academic Success & Equity Initiatives program as the Coordinator for Strategic Communication and Student Success Chatbot, where she continues to work today.
Ortega still dreams of one day opening a non-profit organization that offers a variety of dance and art programs to underserved communities.
“As a first generation Mexican American, I understand how difficult it can be to experience the arts. I was blessed to have access to the arts growing up, but that is not the case for a lot of families,” she said. “Not being able to develop creatively because of lack of funds is an issue I feel passionately about. I’d love to do whatever I can to mend that bridge.”