Maria Ortega is a Interim Family Engagement Coordinator at GEAR UP. Colleagues describe her as "Maria is a very dedicated and passionate student. She really values her education. We began our college education at the same school and fortunately had some courses together. Maria was always willing to take time out of her day to help me and others understand course material, homework, and study hard concepts. Although our majors and career interests are now on opposite spectrums, Maria is still considerate enough to help by giving tips on how I could do better in my courses. As we’ve grown from young teenagers into young adults, I have always seen Maria be the most incredibly nice and caring person. Whether I was having a good or bad day, Maria was always the one to treat me with kindness and respect. Maria is never one to treat someone in a rude manner or talk badly about another person. Maria has proven her character time and time again. I know Maria to be a responsible, helpful, and honest person. She is a dependable, selfless person who is always eager to lend a helping hand. Her generosity has helped me and others repeatedly. She has always been so supportive and encouraging. Maria has been a wonderful friend to me all of these years. I know that I can always count on her and I am truly lucky to call her my friend. " and "It has been a pleasure to be able to work with Maria. Her skills and hard work were expressed and valued as a member of our class marketing team. Maria is very thorough and dependable, and would make a great asset to any company's team with her great ideas and upbeat attitude."