CHCI-United Health Foundation Intern
Hometown: Madera, California
School: California State University Monterey Bay
Major: Molecular Biology
Placement: The Office of Rep. Salud Carbajal
Born in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, Victoria Ordaz-Garcia is the proud daughter of Zapoteco farmworkers. She and her family moved several times before settling in Madera, California when she was six. Victoria made sure her voice was heard in class despite language barriers and obstacles, knowing that she deserved an education just as much as other students.
Victoria is currently attending California State University, Monterey Bay as a first-generation student rooted in her social justice background. She is a third-year majoring in Molecular Biology and plans to attend medical school to become a pediatrician, all while continuing to fight for her immigrant community.
Victoria’s passion for advocacy, mentorship, and community empowerment led her to expand her leadership skills and be involved in diverse organizations that support her passion for social activism and policy. She’s the founder of Undoc-UOtters and Allies, and part of Student Liaison for Undocumented students. Victoria is proud to have created a student-led immigrant advocacy organization at CSU Monterey Bay. Through her advocacy work, she’s pushed the university to establish support programs that provide visibility to undocumented students. Most recently, Victoria was able to institutionalize training for professional staff and faculty on immigration laws that affect the student body.
Victoria takes pride in being a Oaxaqueña and serves her community by being part of Oaxaqueño Youth Empowerment, which campaigns to obtain support and success of Oaxaqueño youth in higher education. She is also a member of United We Dream (UWD). She can proudly say that her participation in these diverse organizations has ignited her passion for social justice.
As a CHCI intern, Victoria Ordaz is excited for the opportunity and looks forward to developing legislative skills, broadening her professional network and gaining a deeper understanding of federal government.