We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Carolina Ortiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna Carolina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I am a naturally risk-averse person. I am a planner and much prefer calculated, organized decision-making, however, in recent years I’ve learned that this M.O. doesn’t necessarily yield the best results. By taking risks I’ve expanded the possibilities for success AND failure, which has been difficult for me to navigate but also incredibly rewarding. I have a great network of support that has helped me face the consequences of my risk-taking and I would encourage anyone who is considering taking that leap, to tap into their support network as well.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ortiz Consulting is a home-grown firm that puts the needs of clients before all else. We dismiss any preconceived notions and limits of what consulting “should be” and simply do what’s right for our clients.

Ortiz Consulting is dedicated to helping nonprofits in Arizona and beyond to increase efficiency, cost savings, and, ultimately, scale their impact. Our services are designed to be flexible and customizable, allowing us to work with organizations of all sizes and with varying needs. The nonprofit sector is navigating a period of growth as a result of a heavy influx of funding from the Pandemic, however, oftentimes increased funding does not support overhead costs. Therefore, organizations find themselves having to implement more and larger programs with insufficient infrastructure. This infrastructure can go untouched for years and begins to hinder program success. This is where Ortiz Consulting shines. We work with our clients to identify those bottlenecks and develop implementable solutions that fit into their current ecosystem. By strengthening internal processes and updating systems, Ortiz Consulting helps nonprofit clients meet their goals with efficiency and accuracy, thereby better serving their own beneficiaries and funders.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting from out of town I’d build a fun itinerary that included a mix of fun bites, must-try coffee spots, cultural events, and a bit of live music. Some of my top restaurants right now include Casa Corazon, Moira, Bacanora, and Zuzu. We would try a different coffee shop every day including Copper Star, Songbird, Lux Central, Case Study, and Provision.

In terms of cultural events, it would depend on the time of year but there are tons of fun events in the Valley this time of year. One of my favorites is the Dia de los Muertos celebration in Mesa. The Desert Botanical Garden and the Uptown Farmers Market would also make the list. Finally, for some fun live music we would check out Valley Bar, Crescent Ballroom, or the Van Buren.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The biggest shoutout goes to my partner and biggest cheerleader, Gabriel. He’s been there for the highs and lows, award ceremonies and cry sessions, fits of imposter syndrome and A-HA moments. He believes in me even when I don’t and I would not have jumped into this without his support.

Secondly, I have an incredible network of women who support, mentor and challenge me in the best ways possible. They are movers and shakers in the Phoenix community and I am so grateful to rely on their strong minds and kind words. Thank you for having my back and propelling me forward.

Lastly, my colleagues David Schlinkert and Glen Goodman have pushed me beyond my self-constructed limits. Through spirited discussion they’ve helped me understand that I can create my own reality and I should not be restrained by society’s benchmark for Latina entrepreneurs. Without their not-so-subtle nudging I may not have launched Ortiz Consulting.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ortiz-consulting/

Other: https://ortizconsulting.zohobookings.com/#/customer/schedule

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